Without LeBron James, Bronny has chance to prove he really belongs

You could tell Bronny James needed this. LeBron James fulfilled his dream of becoming the first NBA player to play alongside his son. Now it’s Bronny’s turn to fulfill his dream. He wants to be respected as an NBA player.And we all know that was a nearly impossible task while sharing a locker room with LeBron, who’s not only his dad but also one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Bronny turned 22 years old on Tuesday.

He’s entering his third season with the Lakers.He’s the third- longest-tenured player on the roster.

And he’s no longer under his father’s shadow after LeBron left for the 76ers in free agency over the summer. In the Lakers’ first preseason game on Monday against the Kings, Bronny had three points, five rebounds, two assists, one blocked shot and one turnover in 16 minutes. It wasn’t a flashy statline by any means, especially not during a time of the year when coaches are experimenting with different lineups, stars are shaking off rust and fringe players are trying to earn a roster spot. But Bronny doesn’t need to be flashy.He needs to do the small things.

He needs to be dependable.Consistent.

He needs to undisputedly prove that he’s an NBA player without being in his father’s oversized orbit.Now’s his chance. He has been trying to blaze that path for a while.He has been trying to shake off the nepotism label.

He has been keeping his head down and putting in the work.After he had a 17-point, five-rebound and three-assist performance against the Bucks as a rookie in March 2025, ESPN analyst Stephen A.

Smith even acknowledged that he “might have been wrong” about Bronny’s NBA readiness.Last season, Bronny went on to earn playoff minutes against the Rockets and Thunder. This season, he has a new challenge.Really, a new opportunity. He finally can prove that his NBA career no longer has anything to do with his father.

LeBron is out of the locker room.Bronny is on his own. It’s something he�...