BRONNY James’ debut in Los Angeles Lakers colors will take place soon – but it remains to be seen whether his father LeBron will be able to attend.
New Lakers coach JJ Redick confirmed that former University of Southern California point guard and Los Angeles first-round pick Dalton Knecht will play in the California Classic tournament.
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They will also participate in the Las Vegas Summer League, which begins a few days later.
Redick shared the news during Tuesday’s introductory press conference for the newly drafted Lakers rookies.
The San Francisco portion of the 2024 California Classic takes place July 6-10.
Los Angeles will face the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat.
Notably, the sixth edition of the annual offseason tournament coincides with the U.S. men’s national basketball team’s preparations for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, of which LeBron is a part.
The scheduling conflict could prevent the four-time NBA champion from attending his son’s first game in the purple and gold jersey.
Bronny, 19, could make his Lakers debut against the Kings in the California Classic on July 6.
That same day, Team USA begins training camp in Las Vegas, Nevada as part of the 2024 USA Basketball Showcase.
LeBron could make a quick trip to San Francisco and back between practices to see his son in action during the Warriors’ matchup the next day.
He will likely miss Los Angeles’ third Cali Classic matchup against the Heat, as it comes just 30 minutes before the U.S.’s exhibition game with Canada begins at T-Mobile Arena on July 10.
Bronny and the Lakers will then head to Sin City for the start of the Las Vegas Summer League on July 12.
But, at the same time, LeBron will leave for Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, where the USA Basketball Showcase will resume on July 13th.
Luckily for the four-time NBA champion, he was able to attend his son’s first Lakers press conference on Tuesday.
“Everything was surreal, trying to take it all in,” the 6-foot-2 guard said as James Sr.
Time for LeBron to retire?
“At the end of the day, I hate to say it, but I believe it in my soul right now: I wish LeBron James would retire.
“Not because I don’t want to see more LeBron James, not because I don’t appreciate LeBron James.
“But I honestly believe that deep down, the longer LeBron James continues to play basketball, the more it will hurt his legacy and the more it will continue to hurt his GOAT argument.
“As long as he steps on that floor, every season, there will be expectations that he will win a championship.
“And when he doesn’t, we’ll be looking at him and saying, ‘Well, what happened now?’”
ESPN star Kendrick Perkins speaking on First Take about LeBron James’ future in the NBA
Bronny reiterated once again that his priority was finding a place with a great development system rather than joining his father.
He added that the two have yet to discuss expectations and hopes for their rookie season.
“We haven’t really delved into that stuff yet, especially since we haven’t even started summer league yet,” the 55th pick said.
“But just things he’s told me my whole life, just having that work ethic and putting in the work and listening to your coaches and being coachable — something he’s drilled into my head my whole life.”
Bronny also thanked Redick and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka for “everything [they] gave me.”
The observation generated a reaction from the Los Angeles coach.
“I want to clarify something you just said: Rob and I didn’t give Bronny anything,” Redick said.
“Bronny earned this. Bronny talks about his hard work. Bronny earned this through hard work.”
Bronny will reportedly sign a guaranteed multi-year rookie contract with the Lakers, per AtléticoShams Charania.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
