Bronny James now that LeBron has left Lakers: I have my own path

For the first time in his NBA career, Bronny James walked into Lakers Media Day without his father somewhere in the building.

He noticed.

“Feels like he’s not here,” Bronny said, via Khobi Price of the California Post.

Of course, LeBron James isn’t there. After eight seasons with the Lakers, he left for the 76ers in free agency, separating father and son as NBA teammates and giving Bronny something he’s rarely had. Namely, a little space.

“He’s got his own path and I got my own,” Bronny said. “So he knows that I want to make a name for myself and continue my career and keep growing as a player.”

That’s probably the most interesting part of Year 3 for the younger James.

He entered the NBA as the No. 55 pick in 2024, but everything surrounding him inevitably became a LeBron story. Now Bronny says creating his “own path” is what motivates him to get into the gym every day.

“I’ve been doing this for however long,” he said. “So I think it’s a motivating factor for me just getting up every day and trying to prove myself as Bronny instead of LeBron.”

There will be one unavoidable father-son storyline.

The Lakers host the 76ers on Christmas Day, meaning Bronny could actually play against his dad.

“Excited to play against him on Christmas,” Bronny said.

He already has one victory over LeBron, anyway. The two played golf before reporting to their respective teams.

“I won,” Bronny said. “He’s pretty pissed about it.”

Maybe escaping Dad’s shadow has already begun.