Sports commentator Dan Patrick expressed concern over Bronny James’s absence at Luka Doncic’s press conference, where Doncic announced his three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers on Saturday. Despite the importance of the event, LeBron’s son was nowhere to be seen.
In response to the situation—LeBron James himself also missed the press conference—Patrick offered a pointed critique. Apparently, father and son were in Ohio playing golf and congratulated Doncic via FaceTime.
For Patrick, that sends a clear message
According to the New York Post, Dan Patrick said on his show: “Bronny James should have been there… You’re the last guy on the roster, you should be there. Show support.” “LeBron wasn’t there, even though he FaceTimed Luka… I guess he knew this was coming, and fine, you’re on vacation… But the one person I really thought should have been there is his son. Bronny James—if he wants to stay after LeBron leaves—this is your teammate… That’s what’s surprising. Bronny James should have been there.”
LeBron & Bronny golfing together ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/wCQAOMpeTX
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) August 3, 2025
Patrick also suggested that Bronny might be hiding behind his father instead of showing support publicly. But, for how long can he keep doing that? LeBron won’t always be around.
“It felt like, ‘Hey, my dad is LeBron, we’re on vacation’… But that’s when you say: ‘Dad, that’s my team. That’s my teammate… I need to cut this vacation short. I need to be there. I think it really matters,’” Patrick emphasized.
Through these comments, Dan Patrick made clear his view on Bronny James’s current approach. He believes Bronny’s actions were not appropriate, especially considering he is far from being a Lakers star at this point.
