Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has long believed that his son, Bronny, was destined for a successful career in basketball. During the Lakers’ recent media day, LeBron shared a memory from when Bronny was just five or six years old, watching him compete against other kids. In that moment, the four-time MVP recognized something special in his son—an innate talent that stood out even at such a young age.

While many parents dream of their children becoming athletic superstars, being a second- or third-generation athlete brings its own set of challenges. The expectations can be overwhelming, and for some young athletes, this burden can make it even more difficult to succeed.

Bronny James, however, has proven to be a polarizing figure in the basketball world. His last name undoubtedly draws significant attention, and the Lakers’ decision to select him with the 55th overall pick, along with offering him a rookie contract, can’t be viewed without considering LeBron’s past desire to play alongside his eldest son in the NBA. Yet, to focus solely on the father-son dynamic would overlook the fact that Bronny was forging his own identity on the court prior to a medical episode that impacted his freshman year at USC.

Ranked as the No. 22 overall player in 247Sports’ composite rankings for the 2023 class, Bronny was already in discussions for a first-round selection in the 2024 NBA draft during his senior year of high school. His talent alone speaks volumes, demonstrating that he has worked hard to carve out his own legacy in the sport.

Simply reaching this point in his career is a significant achievement that many aspiring players can only dream of. Bronny doesn’t need to replicate or surpass LeBron’s impressive career to fulfill his father’s hopes; in many ways, he has already begun to do so. With his own journey just beginning, Bronny is proving that he is more than just LeBron’s son—he’s a rising star in basketball with a bright future ahead.

LeBron James shares a story of young Bronny. 💛💜 pic.twitter.com/HbE89xcQXa

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) September 30, 2024