(Los Angeles) Bronny James, the son of star LeBron James, said Tuesday he is ready to handle the pressure after joining the Los Angeles Lakers, where he is expected to play with his father next season.
The 19-year-old basketball player, who will begin his NBA career in the fall from the University of Southern California (USC), is expected to form the first father-son duo in league history with LeBron James next season, after being chosen in 55e position in last week’s draft.
“It’s more pressure for sure,” he said Tuesday at the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo about the opportunity to play with his father, who will be starting in his 22nd year.e professional season before celebrating his 40th birthday in December.
I saw on social media… things like I don’t deserve this opportunity […] But you know I’ve always dealt with this kind of thing, so it’s business as usual. A little bigger of course. But I’ll get through it.
Bronny James
“It’s all been surreal,” added Bronny, whose No. 9 jersey will be identified as “James Jr.”, of the emotions he’s felt since his draft announcement.
“Bronny deserves what he gets, after working hard,” assured the new coach of the historic NBA franchise JJ Redick, also present, close to LeBron James.
“His understanding of the game, his physicality, his shooting and passing skills, there are a lot of interesting things in his game. He will have the opportunity to become a very good NBA player,” added the coach.
The young player and his novice coach are expected at two summer tournaments from July 6 to 10 in San Francisco and then from July 12 to 22 in Las Vegas.