Analyst Blasts Bronny James for Skipping Luka Doncic Event

Veteran broadcaster Dan Patrick has called out Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James for not attending Luka Doncic’s extension press conference.

Most of the roster, including head coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka, were there to support Doncic, but James was not, triggering criticism from Patrick.

Speaking on “The Dan Patrick Show,” the analyst said LeBron James had earned the right to skip the event, but Bronny, a second-year year with a lot to prove, should have been there to build chemistry with Doncic and the rest of his teammates.

“The one person I thought should have absolutely been there was his son, Bronny James,” Patrick said. 

“If Bronny wants to stick around on this team after LeBron eventually leaves, then that’s your teammate, you show up. That was surprising to me. Bronny James should have been there. You’re the last guy on the roster — show up, show support.”

Bronny James Was Golfing

Patrick referenced videos of James and Bronny on a golf course while criticizing the latter’s decision not to support his teammate, Luka Doncic.

“It just felt like: ‘Hey, my dad’s LeBron, we’re on vacation.’ But that’s when you step up and say, ‘Dad, that’s my team. That’s my teammate. I need to be there.’ If LeBron didn’t want to be there, fine,” Patrick said about the video.

“But it starts to feel like there’s a passive-aggressive game going on, some back-and-forth like a European League rivalry. ‘I’m working out at the old Clippers facility,’ okay. But you should be there. That moment was important.”

LeBron Facetimed Luka Doncic

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, James Facetimed Doncic and congratulated him on inking a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers, even though he wasn’t physically present at the press conference to support his star teammate.

Furthermore, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that James remains supportive of both the Lakers and Doncic despite being away from the recent proceedings.

“The one thing I can say, though, is that he has been very supportive and very understanding of where this Lakers organization is headed, and that’s what Luca Doncic is the face [of the franchise],” Charania said on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Aug. 4. “And I think the Lakers, as well, are equally as understanding that he wants to be in a situation where he feels comfortable, and at the end of the day, ending his career on his own terms.”

Pelinka also said that James was a huge supporter of Doncic, throwing cold water on rumors of “The King” being unhappy about the Lakers moving into a new era.

“So all the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his camp, Rich in particular, have been positive and supportive, so very professional and Rich [Paul] has been great,” he told reporters. “The dialogue with him has been open and constant. So that helps answer that question.”

Pelinka also said the Lakers would prefer if James retires in a Purple & Gold uniform rather than taking his talents elsewhere as a free agent in 2026.