Bronny James Says 'I Don't Pay Attention to' LeBron Rumors amid Lakers Trade Buzz

Bronny James says he isn't paying any attention to rumors regarding his father, LeBron James, potentially playing elsewhere next year.

"Actually, one of my friends called me, talking about where [I was going to play next season], what I was going to do because they saw my dad [in the news]," Bronny told reporters Wednesday. "I didn't see it. He called me. I was like, 'yeah, I have no idea what you're talking about.' … I don't really pay attention to that stuff. There's a lot of stuff going around that I don't pay attention to."

The elder James picked up his $52.6 million player option, but his agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, offered Charania this message about his client's future.

"LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Paul told ESPN on Sunday. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

"We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him."

James, who turns 41 years old on Dec. 30, is entering his 23rd NBA season. He's transcended logic and time, earning All-NBA Second Team honors last year at age 40 while averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game. But there's real question to how much longer James will play.

James spoke a bit to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN News Services) about the timeline regarding the end of his career.

"At this point of my career, you think about when the end is. That's human nature," James said. "You think, is it this year? Or next year? Those thoughts always creep into your mind at this point of the journey. But I have not given it a specific timetable, date. I'm seeing how my body and family reacts too."

If James is looking for the best chance to compete for a championship before he retires, it may not be with the Lakers. They have great talent on the team, led by five-time All-NBA guard Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. L.A. just also added center Deandre Ayton (14.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG last year) in free agency after he was bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers.

But this is also a team that has major defensive questions and just bowed out in five first-round games to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers could also use more frontcourt depth even with Ayton aboard.

Bronny, meanwhile, discussed his plans to make an impact in the rotation during his second NBA season (2:20 in video):

"I can't lose that defensive drive that will get me on the floor because there's gonna be guys that can score 15-20 a game," he said. "I'm most likely not going to be that guy right now. To get myself on the floor, I've got to be a defensive menace. That's my main focus."

So while James is signed as a Laker next season, it remains to be seen if he'll be in the purple and gold.