As the 22nd season begins with Brony, LeBron James finds 'pure joy'

Nikola Jokic's Denver Nuggets eliminated the Lakers from the 2023 playoffs and booted them back a year later. Russell Westbrook's time in Los Angeles ended with a bang; Ditto for Darwin Hamm's coaching tenure. There were no blockbuster deals to increase the chances of a fifth championship. James played his heart out to help the Lakers win the inaugural in-season tournament, but he was indifferent when the banner was raised to the rafters. That was nothing to cherish. Instead, he stuck to his championship-or-bust standard, flirted with the possibility of retirement and admitted that continuing to play meant dealing with “a tax on your mind, your psyche and your psyche.”

But when James opened his 22nd season at Lakers media day on Monday, the nagging ennui was gone. In its place, he said, “pure joy.” Although the NBA's oldest player turns 40 on Dec. 30, James said he's revitalized by winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics and intends to cherish his time with 19-year-old son Bronny, who was drafted by the Lakers. With the 55th pick in June's draft.

“I didn't think about what the future holds,” James said. “I live in the moment. With Brony here, I don't want to take this moment for granted. It's a moment I can enjoy a little more. … It gives you a lot of life when you're around young people. I had a lot of fun with this summer [Anthony Edwards]Tyrese Haliburton and some young guys [Olympic team]. They give you a lot of energy and life. to be beside [Bronny]It gives you some more life.”

After going 47-35 and a first-round playoff exit last season, the Lakers return five projected starters — James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura — and welcome back Jared Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent. will tell Big injury While their playing rotation changed little this summer, Los Angeles hired JJ Redick, a 15-year NBA veteran and James' former podcast partner, to replace Hamm. The Lakers are counting on their top talent, roster consistency and Redick's new voice to make progress in the crowded Western Conference. Even if all goes well, and James and Davis enjoy excellent availability like they did last season, Los Angeles has its hands full against the NBA's top contenders. The Lakers enter training camp with the 10th-best odds to win the 2025 title.

Broad smiles were common but there was little talk of retirement or rings after James and his son posed for portraits and sat side by side — No. 23 in gold next to No. 9 gold — for a television interview. James solemnly dedicated last season to his oldest son, who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest before his freshman season at the University of Southern California. Bronie James entered the draft averaging 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds as a freshman.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka revealed last week that the NBA's first father-son teammate tandem clashed recently. Both laughed and talked trash as they gave their version of events to Spectrum Sportsnet, the Lakers' local broadcaster. “It's freaking amazing,” said legendary Lakers commentator James Worthy. “Do you see a strange similarity in their answers and methods?”

James said the two don't get together for tough discussions at the dinner table, and he lamented that “there's not really a lot of interaction on a day-to-day basis” because his son “comes downstairs, eats and goes to his room and plays his video games.” This summer, the four-time MVP was announced Bronnie won't be allowed to call him “Dad” in court — “2-3,” “Bron” and “GOAT” were acceptable options. Broney, for his part, used his media day interview to shut down the idea that they would be carpooling to practices and games.

Nevertheless, family boundaries are a work in progress.

“I was doing my radio [interview] There and my dad taking pictures,” Broni recounted. “It was, 'What's going on now?' I'm trying to take it all in, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity.” Later, he slipped back: “It's such a crazy feeling to be at practice with your dad and compete at a high level. But on the other side of that, to go against LeBron James in practice every day. There's a lot going on.”

James, who was one of Team USA's flag bearers in Paris, captured his third Olympic gold medal with thrilling victories over Jokic's Serbia in the semifinals and France in the final. While Stephen Curry stole the headlines with his phenomenal fourth-quarter shooting display against France, James earned tournament MVP honors as the Americans' main offensive engine and leader. The wins over Serbia and France, which he said felt like “two Game 7s behind,” an itch that lingered as the Lakers were unable to defend their 2020 title. And Olympic experience is ahead of schedule for James entering the season.

“I didn't get beat like last time [year],” he said. “I feel really good physically. Mentally, I feel really good, really sharp, really fresh. [The Olympics] Gave me a sense that I had a lot in the tank — a lot. I can help be a big part of a team to win the final [prize]Is it a gold? [medal] Or the Larry O'Brien Trophy. I can still get it done. … It felt great, it felt great, to play meaningful basketball, to play for the highest level. … That fire and desire was brought back to me.”

Expectations for Brony James' rookie campaign are more modest: The 6-foot-2 defensive-minded guard is expected to spend time with the G League's South Bay Lakers as he works to improve his strength, conditioning and familiarity with NBA terminology. At some point soon, though, James will fulfill a decade-long dream by becoming basketball's answer to Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr.

“[Bronny] He's been in this state of basketball since he was born,” James said. “I've played in the NBA longer than he's been alive. He understands the nuances of it and being around the game. Now he's a man, and it's time for him to learn and be better. I am super happy for her. Our family is proud of him. If we get a few opportunities on the floor throughout the season, it's going to be amazing. That would be great.”