Former NBA star doesn't think the Lakers are “serious anymore” after the low-key offseason and the draft of Bronny James

LeBron James, Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers will make history this season when the two basketball players become the only father-son duo to ever play together in the NBA.

The two played together in the preseason, but with Bronny James reportedly on track to make the 15-man roster early in the year, he and his legendary father will make official NBA history in the regular season.

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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James with guard Bronny James before the preseason game against the Golden State Warriors at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on October 15, 2024. (Candice Ward-Imagn Images)

The Lakers' decision to select Bronny James in the second round of this summer's NBA draft brought with it some critics. While accusations of nepotism are rife, former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins ​​indicated he didn't think it made sense as far as roster construction was concerned.

“I don’t really think the Lakers are serious anymore,” Cousins ​​said Tuesday on FanDuel’s NBA show “Run It Back.” “I love everything he stands for, what LeBron is doing with his legacy and as a businessman and everything that comes with it. I think it’s a beautiful thing.”

“As for the Lakers actually, I don’t know. I take this as a sign that they aren't really serious. Since their season ended last year with high expectations, I expected more from them.” I like the kid they drafted from Tennessee (Dalton Knecht), but they had a lot of concerns last year that I don't think were really addressed .

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Nuggets center DeMarcus Cousins ​​during the Los Angeles Lakers game at Ball Arena in Denver, April 10, 2022. (Ron Chenoy-USA Today Sports)

The Lakers reached the conference finals in 2023, two years after winning the NBA championship in the bubble. Last year, the team won the in-season tournament but was eliminated from the playoffs in the first round.

LeBron James is another year older and playing with even more mileage ahead thanks to an Olympic gold medal. The health of Anthony Davis will be a focus, as will the consistent play of Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura.

In addition, JJ Redick should establish himself as head coach early and help the team to a solid start into the new year.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James dribbles down the court against the Golden State Warriors during their preseason game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Oct. 15, 2024. (Candice Ward-Imagn Images)

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Los Angeles will open the season at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.

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