Despite his own actions playing no real role in any of it, Bronny James was subject to endless discourse and drama in his rookie season.
But whether Stephen A. Smith likes it or not, James is reflecting fondly on his history-making year on the Lakers alongside his father LeBron.
“It’s a blessing,” Bronny said, according to FOX Sports. “Being able to learn from him, not only as a player, but as a dad. It’s a different type of relationship. I try to take full advantage of it because it’s something that a lot of people can’t have. It was an amazing experience for me.”
LeBron and Bronny became the NBA’s first-ever father-son duo this season — but it’s unclear whether the 40-year-old will return for a 23rd season in the league. He has a $52.6 million player option that he could opt into to return next season.
“I’m looking forward to learning more from him, if he’s still here or not, either way,” Bronny said. “But I’m just looking forward to it.”
While LeBron, a four-time champion, MVP and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, is arguably the greatest player of all time, nothing stacks up to what he accomplished this season playing alongside his son.
“Number one, for sure,” James said about where the feat stacks up in his accomplishments. “That’s easy. It is not even close. To be able to play the game that I love and to be able to be along with my son this whole year has been one of the most gratifying, satisfying journeys I’ve ever been on.”
While neither would trade the experience for anything, pressure was certainly a factor for the name-bearing son of one of the greatest athletes ever.
Bronny suffered cardiac arrest during a practice ahead of his freshman season at USC and went on to average just 4.8 points before being drafted 55th by the Lakers.
His rush into the NBA drew plenty of eyes — and criticism.
“I am pleading with LeBron James as a father: Stop this. Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad,” Smith said in January on ESPN’s “First Take.”
LeBron rushed to his son’s defense as the argument with Smith took the league and internet by storm.
“I was under a lot of pressure,” Bronny said. “It was getting to me a little bit.”
With all the nepotism talk, Bronny, who averaged 21.9 points per game for the Lakers’ G League affiliate, just wants to prove that he belongs in the NBA.
“That’s all I’ve been trying to prove.”
With his first season now in the books, that’s what he’ll continue to work toward.
“Keeping my head down and working,” Bronny said. “Working is a distraction from everything. I love just coming into the gym and working and talking to my coaches and watching film. All of the stuff that can help me get better every day. It’s a distraction from all of that stuff. So, just going to continue to do that and see where it takes me. It’s going good so far.”
