Even with the high likelihood that LeBron James re-signs with the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis’s opinion is arguably the most influential within the franchise currently. As LeBron approaches his 40th birthday, Davis has not only been a pivotal player since his acquisition but also represents the future face of the team. When the Lakers selected Bronny James, LeBron’s son, with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Davis was full of praise for his new teammate, as revealed by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
High Praise from Anthony Davis
“He’s very good defensively,” Davis told ESPN. “He can read the floor very well. I think he’s a really good playmaker. I saw him work out a couple times besides the [Klutch Sports] pro day and working with a big โ his reads, reading the defense, making the right passes โ that was really impressive to me. I think he’s going to be fine, man. Obviously, it’s a lot of pressure on him with his dad being who he is.”
Davis appreciated Bronny’s desire to carve out his own identity in the NBA, rather than merely being seen as LeBron’s son. The nine-time All-Star noted that this mindset could serve Bronny well as he embarks on his professional career.
Creating His Own Path
“But one thing about Bronny, from what I’ve seen and what I’ve heard, he wants to create his own path and he doesn’t want to be โ even though he’s LeBron James’ son, he doesn’t want to be seen as that. And I think having that mindset and trying to create his own path is going to work out for him. … Who knows, he might come in and be ready to play for us.”
Potential and Development
While Bronny is likely to spend much of his rookie season developing his game, his talent and potential are undeniable. He showcased impressive defensive abilities during his lone collegiate season and impressed with his shooting during pre-draft workouts. The younger James’s skill set and work ethic suggest he could make a meaningful impact early on.
Historic Opportunity
Regardless of how the 2024-25 season unfolds, there’s a high likelihood that Bronny and LeBron will make NBA history as the first father and son to share the court. While the older James is expected to opt out of the final year of his deal, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where he leaves the Lakers at this point, missing the opportunity to play alongside his son.
Anthony Davis’s support and belief in Bronny’s potential add another layer of excitement and anticipation for Lakers fans as they look forward to seeing how this unique father-son duo will perform on the biggest stage.