Bronny James was not upset by his father, LeBron James, opting to leave the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the new NBA season, saying: "He's got his path, and I've got my own."

After eight seasons, eight All-Star appearances, 479 games and one NBA championship with the Lakers, the league's all-time scorer moved on in July.

Having been linked with a return to one of his former teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Miami Heat, LeBron James instead signed with the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of his unprecedented 24th season in the NBA.

That brought an end to his on-court partnership with son Bronny James, who was selected by the Lakers in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft and has played 69 games for the team.

But with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves remaining to spearhead the Lakers' push for a record-equalling 18th championship, Bronny James remains excited for what lies ahead.

Asked if his father discussed his negotiations with the Sixers with him, the 21-year-old told reporters at the team's media day: "We're men of very little words when it comes to talking about business and what we're going to do and how we feel about each other. 

"So, it wasn't really much [discussion], to be honest with you. He's got his path, and I've got my own. 

"He knows that I want to make a name for myself, and I want to continue my career and keep growing as a player. He knows that I want to focus on that. So, he decided to do that.

"You guys know me as Bronny. My real name is LeBron.

"I've been doing this for however long. It's a motivating factor for me, just getting up every day and trying to prove myself as Bronny, instead of LeBron."

Lakers Media Day is HERE  pic.twitter.com/t2Se89s6Uk

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 28, 2026

The Lakers open their season against the Golden State Warriors on October 21, one day after the Sixers start against the defending NBA champions, the New York Knicks.

Father and son will go up against one another on Christmas Day, when the teams face off at Crypto.com Arena, and Bronny James is relishing that festive matchup. 

"I'm happy for him and excited to see where their season goes," he said of the Sixers.

"I'm excited to see him on Christmas. I'm excited to play against him on Christmas, so that's going to be good."