Ken Griffey Jr. Urges Bronny James to Forge His Own Path

In October 2024, Bronny James made his NBA debut for the Los Angeles Lakers, following in the footsteps of his father, LeBron James. Ahead of this significant milestone, MLB legend Ken Griffey Jr., who also experienced a father-son dynamic in sports, offered important advice to Bronny. During a podcast appearance, Griffey Jr. emphasized the importance of learning from his father, Ken Griffey Sr., while still developing his own identity as an athlete. He shared how he benefited from observing his dad, stressing that Bronny should take the opportunity to be a sponge and learn the nuances of being a professional athlete. Griffey Jr. encouraged Bronny to embrace his individuality and not be weighed down by expectations stemming from his father's legendary status. He recalled how his father created a unique atmosphere by being both a parental figure at home and a teammate on the field, thus allowing Griffey Jr. to grow into his own player. This advice aims to prepare Bronny for the challenges of playing at a high level while navigating the legacy of excellence left by his father.