Las Vegas— LeBron James believes Bronny James, his eldest son-turned-Los Angeles Lakers teammate after the team drafted him with the No. 55 selection last month, is particularly prepared to handle the spotlight.
"I don't know if people really understand Bronny," James told ESPN in a wide-ranging interview after USA Basketball practice Sunday for the Paris Olympics.
He doesn't care. I care somewhat. When I started, I wanted people to like me, and some of the things people said about me bothered me. He doesn't care.
"He cares nothing about anyone. He ignores that. He's awesome. He's the reverse of his father.
To address detractors, his dad will speak. Bro doesn't care... He doesn't care what's said about him."
The NBA's all-time top scorer, who has earned over $1 billion in his 21-year career, said his 19-year-old son has not allowed his success define him.
"Imagine being a kid with a famous, wealthy dad and still wanting to succeed for yourself," James, 39, remarked. "I doubt I could have done that if the roles were reversed.