The Los Angeles Lakers recently made headlines by securing superstar Luka Doncic with a lucrative three-year, $165 million contract extension. This move positions the franchise as a strong contender for the championship, bolstering their roster with one of the league’s elite talents. However, the excitement surrounding the announcement was somewhat overshadowed by the absence of two prominent figures: LeBron James and his son, rookie guard Bronny James.
Reports surfaced that LeBron and Bronny were enjoying a planned vacation, playing golf at the time of the press conference. Although the Lakers did not officially comment on their absence, sources indicated that LeBron reached out to Doncic via FaceTime to extend his congratulations after the signing.
During Doncic’s press conference, head coach JJ Redick and several Lakers players, including new acquisitions Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, were present. The conspicuous absence of LeBron and Bronny sparked public speculation and criticism, particularly from veteran broadcaster Dan Patrick. He expressed disappointment that Bronny, who is at the beginning of his NBA career, was not there to show support. “You’re the last guy on the roster, you should be there. Show support,” Patrick remarked on his show.
However, not all reactions were negative. Danny Green, a former Lakers player and 2020 NBA champion, came to their defense on his podcast, “Inside the Green Room.” Green suggested that LeBron’s absence could be attributed to prior commitments, stating, “Bron is on this golf kick right now… He might have had a commitment or appointment of being somewhere and playing 18 holes, and we didn’t know this press conference was coming up. So they probably had this booked already. Spending time with his son—it’s summertime. He’s earned that.”
Green acknowledged the differing expectations for Bronny, given his rookie status. He noted, “Now Bronny James, could be a debate of what he’s earned, and that’s why Dan Patrick spoke on it—that he should have been there. And maybe so, but he’s spending time with his dad. I think they both are very much in their own right to have a day of golf together and not be criticized for not showing up to a press conference in the summertime.”
While the conversation around their absence generated buzz, the Lakers have been quietly addressing their roster needs this offseason. The front office secured key players, including center Deandre Ayton and guard Marcus Smart, to fill gaps left by previous trades, notably the departure of Anthony Davis last season, which left a significant void in the frontcourt.
As the Lakers gear up for the upcoming season, the focus will be on how these new additions, combined with the existing talent, will impact their pursuit of championship glory. With LeBron’s future in Los Angeles still a topic of speculation, fans will be eager to see how the team evolves and responds to the challenges ahead.