Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James says his son-turned team-mate Bronny will shrug off any critics during his early days in the NBA.
The pair will become the first father and son duo to link up at the same time on the same team in the top tier of basketball after Bronny was drafted in at No.55 last month.
LeBron has had to deal with scrutiny his entire career but remains one of the greatest to have ever stepped foot on the court, and says he has trained his son to deal with the negativity that comes with the job.
Speaking to ESPN after training for Team USA ahead of the Paris Olympics, he said: “I don’t know if people really understand Bronny.
“He doesn’t care. I actually care a little bit. When I came in [as a rookie], I wanted people to like me, and some of the things that people were saying about me kind of bothered me early on in my career. … He doesn’t give a f***.
“He does not care about nobody. He doesn’t even listen to that stuff. He’s like the coolest.
“He’s like the complete opposite of his dad. His dad will say something [to address the critics]. Bro does not care. … Everything that’s being said about him, he really does not care.”
With the 55th in the 2024 NBA draft. The Los Angeles Lakers select……. Bronny James. 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲. Just had a moment!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 1, 2024
LeBron is the NBA’s leading all-time scorer and has been in the league for 21 years, most recently with the Lakers.
The 39-year-old has signed an extension with the West Coast side ahead of the 2024-25 season and is understandably excited at the prospect of linking up with Bronny.
Alongside his own blood, he will be playing under close friend JJ Redick.
James’ former podcast partner was hired as the new head coach to replace Darvin Ham, following their disappointing play-off campaign.
He added: “I’m not involved in the coaching hiring, but I’m excited about JJ.
“I’m excited about working with coach [Nate] McMillan. I haven’t worked with him since the Olympic run [in 2008].
“First time working with coach [Scott] Brooks, looking forward to that. So, I’m excited about that.
“That’s been the extent of it all this summer as far as the Lakers.”
