“I feel damn good,” LeBron said with a wide smile at the press conference. "I had a great summer." He had every reason to feel that way. Not only did he help Team USA win a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, but he was named tournament MVP. That’s quite the accomplishment, even for someone with a resume as stacked as his. But what really has him buzzing isn’t just past victories—it’s what the future holds, particularly the chance to share the court with his son, Bronny James, as he aims to become the first father-son duo in NBA history.
There was a touching moment at media day when LeBron and Bronny, 19, both suited up in the Lakers’ gold uniforms, posed for photographs together. You could see the pride in LeBron’s eyes, and the surreal experience wasn’t lost on his son either. Bronny admitted, “This is a crazy feeling…just looking over at my dad taking pictures, I was like, 'What’s going on right now?'” It was an emotional moment, and Bronny made sure to take it all in. “Extremely grateful for the opportunity,” he added, clearly relishing every second of this rare experience.
For LeBron, his love for the game has been rekindled thanks to the intense battles in the Olympic tournament. He compared the nerve-wracking semifinal against Serbia and the final against France to back-to-back Game 7s in the NBA. “It felt great to play meaningful basketball again,” he said, with a renewed sense of purpose. “To go out there at my age, with the miles I’ve put in, and still be able to perform at a high level gave me the sense that I’ve got a lot left in the tank.” LeBron was unequivocal: “I can still help lead a team to a title, whether that’s a gold medal or a Larry O’Brien trophy.”
It’s that kind of passion and belief that is fueling optimism around the Lakers, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The team’s new head coach, JJ Redick, is stepping into his first coaching role ever, which adds a layer of unpredictability. The Lakers are also dealing with some injury concerns. Jarred Vanderbilt, their top perimeter defender, and Christian Wood, their stretch-5 option, are both out with foot and knee procedures respectively and are expected to miss a few weeks. Their absence adds a level of uncertainty as the Lakers open up practices on Tuesday.
Even with those challenges, the Lakers’ other big star, Anthony Davis, feels confident. Davis, who also won gold with LeBron in Paris, is sporting a new tattoo of the Olympic rings on his left arm, matching James. “The West is tough,” Davis acknowledged, not sugarcoating the road ahead. “It’s always been tough, 1 through 15. We can’t get too high after a win or too low after a loss. We’ve got to stay even-keeled.” He emphasized the importance of staying healthy, noting that if the Lakers can avoid the injury bug, they have what it takes to be a top team in the Western Conference. “But if we get hit with injuries again, it’s going to be a grind.”
No one understands that grind better than point guard D’Angelo Russell. Last season was a rollercoaster for Russell, as he clashed with former coach Darvin Ham, lost his starting role at one point, only to earn it back before struggling in the playoffs. When he approached the podium at media day, Russell greeted reporters with a cheeky, “Surprise, surprise,” acknowledging his own turbulent journey with the team.
In a moment of self-reflection, Russell said, “I want to apologize for showing a lack of professionalism at times.” He admitted that he sometimes put his own interests ahead of the team’s, but he's determined to make a fresh start under Redick. “I’m focused on keeping that maturity and professionalism all year long, no matter what happens. I’m holding myself more accountable, especially on the defensive end.”
As for the Lakers’ management, general manager Rob Pelinka is taking a wait-and-see approach. He noted that it would take about 30 games to evaluate the roster and decide what tweaks need to be made. Until then, it’s about staying the course and making adjustments as the season unfolds.
While the team works out its issues on the court, the James family is navigating a different kind of adjustment—working together under the same roof. Bronny admitted that he's had to train himself to tune out the noise from critics who question his place in the league, but he’s already feeling at home enough to throw some friendly trash talk his dad’s way. In a recent pick-up game at the Lakers facility, LeBron scored on a crossmatch against Bronny, but the younger James wasn’t about to let it slide. “That bucket doesn’t count,” Bronny told ESPN with a laugh. “He stepped out of bounds before scoring. But you know, he’s in year whatever, so he’s going to get that call.”
LeBron, for his part, has made it clear that he expects some professional boundaries between him and his son at work, joking on an episode of The Shop that Bronny isn’t allowed to call him “Dad” while at the Lakers facility. But Bronny seems unbothered by the rule, quipping, “Whatever comes out of my mouth when I’m talking to him is what he’s going to have to accept.” That playful banter reflects the unique dynamic between the two, both relishing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the basketball court together.
For LeBron, having Bronny by his side brings him immeasurable joy. “Just pure joy, honestly,” LeBron said. “To come to work every day, put in hard work alongside my son, and watch him grow—it gives you a whole new perspective on life.” That father-son bond is a rare, precious thing in professional sports, and LeBron isn’t taking a second of it for granted.
As the Lakers gear up for another season, the optimism around LeBron and the team is palpable, but there’s no denying that challenges lie ahead. From injuries to the steep competition in the Western Conference, it’s going to take everything they’ve got to make a deep playoff run. But with LeBron’s unmatched drive, Bronny’s youthful energy, and the team's resolve, there’s a feeling that this season could be something special.
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