With Bronny now a Laker, the pressure shifts to LeBron

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.

It took an extra day, but LeBron James finally got what he wanted — the opportunity to play on the same team as his son. It was a special moment when Bronny’s name was announced, and it has been particularly poignant when juxtaposed with the many images floating around the Internet of LeBron celebrating titles with baby Bronny at his side.

But once all the tears are shed, it will be time to get to work. With their quick first-round exit in the playoffs this year, the Los Angeles Lakers are clearly a flawed (and aging) team. Plus, going into next season, they will not only have a new head coach (their fourth in five years), but an HC who has never coached at any level before.

The Lakers seemed to immediately improve their roster with the selection of dynamic forward Dalton Knecht in the draft, but it will of course be their pick in the second round that will get the most attention. And while it may be a dream come true for LeBron and Bronny to share a professional court together, the pressure will squarely be on father rather than son.

Sure, Bronny will almost certainly feel the stress of not only playing in a huge market for a storied franchise, but having his dad as a teammate. Oh, and there’s the fact that his dad is one of the greatest players of all time. But, because the Lakers are a good team, he won’t be expected to do a lot of heavy lifting, as top draft picks who go to bad clubs generally are.

Things are different, however, with LeBron. Ever since Bronny suited up for USC, he’s been telling anyone who would listen that he’s an NBA-caliber player. This is despite the fact that Bronny’s stats in college told a different story and perhaps implied that he should stay there. In January, during a Lakers’ losing streak, LeBron even went so far as to say that his son could play for the team immediately.

As any parent can attest to, it’s nearly impossible to view your child and their achievements and capabilities with complete objectivity. It’s hard not to see them with rose-colored glasses and think that they are better than what they are. And if this shows itself out on the court this season, it may not be pretty.

For example, what happens if LeBron thinks Bronny isn’t getting enough playing time? Is JJ Redick prepared to override him? Would LeBron actively look to get his son the ball during games, perhaps at the expense of their teammates or even getting wins?

Let’s say there’s a game on the line and instead of taking the potential winning shot, LeBron dishes to Bronny. It’s a party if he drains it, but what if he misses? That’s going to be one ugly press conference.

The big challenge for LeBron this season is going to be treating Bronny like any rookie who needs time to develop, and not his son who he may think is already an All-Star. One thing is clear: This family affair is going to make for an intriguing season in LA.

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