Bronny James Called Out for Missing Luka’s Press Conference

Posted on by Basketball Forever Staff
Bronny

The Los Angeles Lakers celebrated their future on August 2, when Luka Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million extension to cement himself as the face of the franchise.

Most of the Lakers roster was in attendance for the star’s press conference, but two names were missing: LeBron James and rookie guard Bronny James.

LeBron reportedly congratulated Doncic with a FaceTime call, but the absence of his son drew criticism from longtime broadcaster Dan Patrick.

“The one person who I thought should have been there was his son,” Patrick said on The Dan Patrick Show. “Bronny James, if he wants to stay longer after LeBron leaves, like that’s your teammate. That’s what was surprising. Bronny James should’ve been there. You’re the last guy on the roster, you should be there. Show support. It just felt like, ‘Hey, my dad’s LeBron, we got a vacation.’ I mean, that’s where you say, ‘Dad, that’s my team. That’s my teammate.’”

Patrick’s critique comes after Bronny’s first NBA season, where he appeared in 27 games and averaged 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists while splitting time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate. Drafted in the second round in 2024, the 20-year-old is still fighting for a long-term role in the league.

Related Article:  Insider Provides New Twist in Trae Young-Hawks Extension Talks

It’s worth noting that another key Laker, Austin Reaves, also missed Doncic’s press conference due to a promotional tour for his signature shoe.

It looked as though Bronny and LeBron had some golf to attend to.

 

READ MORE: Luka Doncic Says Extension With Lakers Feels Like a ‘Fresh Start’

-->