As a father, LeBron James has never prevented his three children from pursuing their dreams. He is often encouraging their development. With Bryce and Bronny James, the King has hand-prepared his sons to succeed in their basketball dreams. The fostered work ethic has landed him teasingly close to sharing an unprecedented moment with his eldest. And finally, he has levied one strict restriction on his 19-year-old. “He can’t call me dad”, he said while in Paris.

He provided him with several other alternatives, one of which included “GOAT”. What’s the final verdict? That conversation is still to be had in the James household. He spoke about it on DraftKings, revealing Bronny has yet to initiate a conversation about their professional relationship. But he too is itching for an answer.

“You know what. He has not said anything. He has not given me a name yet on the practice court. And I actually have my ears so open for that moment,” said James.

With the season inching close, the Lakers have started practice. Preparation is paramount with rookie coach JJ Redick having a lot to prove for the upcoming season. Following an extended break, LeBron James has begun working with the team with their social media activity also showing Bronny in the facility.

Amidst the drills and fine-tuning their schemes, maybe the duo hasn’t got a chance to simulate a game-like atmosphere just yet. However, it’s only a matter of time before they have to address one another. Jeanie Buss supported the King’s instructions for his son, clarifying the importance of such boundaries. For Bronny James though, he will have to work meticulously to ensure he gets to share the experience with his pops as much as he can this season.

Bronny James has a lot of work to do

So far in every conversation around the exciting prospect, the assumption is that Bronny James will spend the majority of his time with the South Bay Lakers. He will of course have one opportunity to share the floor with his dad. The aim for him though is to become a regular rotation player for the Lakers. And that starts with his mentality.

LeBron James was the first to rave about his son’s elite mindfulness. Criticism doesn’t affect him. The 19-year-old is hellbent on carving his path, no matter for precarious or tough it might be.

“If Bronny wants to stop right now or never played basketball or just wanted to be a gamer or wanted to be a chef or wanted to be nothing or whatever, he could have done that. For him to be able to be in the NBA, the kid, he’s special,” James professed.

In hindsight, Bronny has looked to get away from his father’s enormous spotlight for years. He changed his name, took on his route, and has still managed to make an NBA roster. There will be an argument about LeBron James’ influence. But standing in that position came through Bronny’s relentless craving to grow and get better.

Heading into the NBA season, that still remains his priority. In his press conference, the rookie guard revealed he is “looking forward to any basketball I play”. Even with all the privileges, he understands the importance of standing on his own and truly earning a place within the NBA.

And his tools are extremely appealing. The Summer League stats show a version of him that a first-time rookie would have. Even Aex Sarr, a lottery pick had a nightmare game failing to make a single field goal. But the tangibles narrate a different story. Despite measuring at 6’1″, Bronny James is agile with ravishing athleticism.

His 6’7″ wing span ensures he can be a productive defender who can hound guards and make their lives difficult. Under the Lakers, development is going to be the core of his success. A positive trajectory is only possible when a player himself is willing to take the necessary steps to do so. Bronny James is attracted to such extensive work.

With his approach and humbleness, the Lakers can construct a robust 3-and-D player out of Bronny James. Depending upon his learning pace, LeBron James and he could possibly share significant time together.