Lakers Make Bronny James Announcement Ahead of Heat Game as Fatherhood Rules Out $55 Million Star
via Imago
Bronny James snagged a standard roster spot with the Lakers after signing a four-year, $7.9 million rookie deal, but it hasn’t been without controversy. Here’s the thing: to make room for James, the Lakers had to part ways with rookie guard Quincy Olivari. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that this move allowed the LA team to sign 6-foot-11 center Trey Jemison. The kicker? They essentially let go of a more talented player… wait for it, to keep Bronny on the roster.
Last Tuesday, we saw James Jr barely get any action on the court in the Lakers’ 118-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He played just one minute and didn’t record a single stat. Fast forward to now, and the Lakers have ruled out rookie guard Bronny James for their next game against the Miami Heat due to illness.
But honestly, his absence won’t really make much of an impact on the rotation. In his nine games so far, James has played just 2.4 minutes per game. His numbers have been on the quieter side, with only 0.4 points, 0.1 rebounds, and 0.3 assists. On top of that, he’s shooting just 11.1% from the field.
Someone whose absence will make a difference is Dorian Finney-Smith. Finney-Smith won’t be on the court for the Lakers. Instead of the upcoming game, he’s focused on something much more personal—he and his partner are welcoming a baby boy into the world.
DFS has shown he can guard multiple positions and knock down 3-pointers, hitting 40.9% from deep while averaging 6.8 points and 3.2 rebounds in 23.7 minutes per game.
But here’s the catch—despite all that, the wins haven’t come in bunches. Even though the schedule seemed set up for success, the Lakers are just 2-4 with the $55 million hoopster on the roster.
Bronny has had a much quieter rise to basketball fame compared to his dad, LeBron. While the spotlight hit Bron hard during his high school years, Bronny’s journey has been more low-key, though expectations have still been sky-high. Scaringly, sky-high. Despite this, people can’t help but track his every move.
At just 20, Bronny already carries a lot of pressure, which at times has turned ugly, with fans constantly pouring vitriol. But even without the same media frenzy (intensity) his father experienced, the weight of those expectations is still very real.
Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has noticed how well Bronny has handled all of it. “He’s handled the hype and the scrutiny and everything so perfect,” Kelce said.
LeBron, of course, gets it—he’s been through it all. “Bronny doesn’t have to play basketball at all. It’s not like he needs the money,” ‘The Chosen One’ pointed out, showing that, despite the media and fan attention, his son has kept his feet on the ground.
via Imago
LeBron describes Bronny James as a laid-back, easy-going guy. “If you ever meet Bronny, you’ll realize I’m such an idiot to look down on him,” he said on the New Heights podcast. “He’s the most chill, easy, fun kid in the world.”
The dream of playing alongside his son has always been in LeBron’s mind. In fact, he was already thinking about it back when Bronny was just 14 and LeBron was in the prime of his NBA career. You can’t blame him—it would be a moment like no other.
