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The Los Angeles Lakers celebrated their future on August 2, when Luka Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million extension to cement himself as the face of the franchise.
Most of the Lakers roster was in attendance for the star’s press conference, but two names were missing: LeBron James and rookie guard Bronny James.
Most of the Lakers roster here supporting Luka as he announces his new max contract. pic.twitter.com/Ihdqa4p9HB
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) August 2, 2025
LeBron reportedly congratulated Doncic with a FaceTime call, but the absence of his son drew criticism from longtime broadcaster Dan Patrick.
REPORT: LeBron James FaceTimed Luka Doncic on Saturday morning to congratulate him on his extension with the Lakers, per @TheSteinLine pic.twitter.com/9Dm51ynmBB
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) August 3, 2025
“The one person who I thought should have been there was his son,” Patrick said on The Dan Patrick Show. “Bronny James, if he wants to stay longer after LeBron leaves, like that’s your teammate. That’s what was surprising. Bronny James should’ve been there. You’re the last guy on the roster, you should be there. Show support. It just felt like, ‘Hey, my dad’s LeBron, we got a vacation.’ I mean, that’s where you say, ‘Dad, that’s my team. That’s my teammate.’”
“Bronny James should’ve been there. You’re the last guy on the roster, you should be there.”
– DP reacts to the notable omission of LeBron and his son Bronny from Luka Dončić’s press conference for his new contract extension. pic.twitter.com/v8kljEdDcT
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) August 4, 2025
Patrick’s critique comes after Bronny’s first NBA season, where he appeared in 27 games and averaged 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists while splitting time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate. Drafted in the second round in 2024, the 20-year-old is still fighting for a long-term role in the league.
It’s worth noting that another key Laker, Austin Reaves, also missed Doncic’s press conference due to a promotional tour for his signature shoe.
It looked as though Bronny and LeBron had some golf to attend to.
LeBron and Bronny hit the golf course today ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/YDSl6SIDKB
— Bronupdates (@Bronupdates) August 3, 2025
READ MORE: Luka Doncic Says Extension With Lakers Feels Like a ‘Fresh Start’
