EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — LeBron James enjoys concluding his practice sessions with moments spent shooting hoops alongside his son, Bronny. As the Los Angeles Lakers finish their workouts at their training center, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and 20-year-old Bronny take turns launching jump shots, along with guard Max Christie. This family bonding time is a surreal experience for LeBron, who has dreamed of this reality for years.
“For a father, it means everything,” LeBron expressed. Just three years after he voiced his desire to play alongside Bronny before concluding his illustrious career, they’ve already joined forces during the preseason. Soon, they will make history as the first father-son duo to play for the same NBA team in a regular-season game.
“It’s a special feeling, a different feeling, to work with him,” remarked LeBron, who will celebrate his 40th birthday this December. “When you’re at work every day, you aim to support one another. If he’s having a tough day, you lift him up… There are moments where we don’t even need to speak; we just exchange glances and understand each other.”
The sports community is keenly observing this unique experiment as the Lakers set out on a remarkable season, which will undoubtedly present challenges for the coaching staff, including rookie head coach JJ Redick. Bronny has openly addressed the social media pressures surrounding favoritism and nepotism as he embarks on his NBA journey. There has also been criticism regarding the Lakers’ decision to use a draft pick for this pairing, with many questioning Bronny’s readiness at this competitive level.
“It won’t be an easy situation to navigate,” commented Stan Van Gundy, an experienced NBA coach and commentator. “There will be external opinions regarding Bronny. If he doesn’t play, people will complain for him to get minutes alongside LeBron. Conversely, if he plays, questions of his deservingness will arise. However, we should look at this as a moment of celebration. It’s a unique occurrence that we might not witness again.”
Indeed, only a few exceptional athletes have had the opportunity to play on the same professional sports team as their sons, and most of those fathers were not at the height of their careers. LeBron continues to be among the top players in the league, with the Lakers eyeing a championship while building a roster that centers around him and star Anthony Davis.
Thus, this situation isn’t merely a publicity stunt. The initial months of Bronny’s tenure with the Lakers have cultivated significant optimism within the organization, both from the front office and his fellow teammates. Regardless of how much they play together this season, the Lakers are pleased with their role in creating this extraordinary basketball legacy.
Davis, who has known Bronny since joining the Lakers in 2019, praised Bronny’s growth from being a reserved teen into a young adult. “It’s awesome and historic. It’s powerful,” Davis said. “Seeing Bronny’s locker across from mine reminds me every day that he’s on the same team as his dad. I’m excited for them to take the floor together and officially make history.”
While LeBron’s celebrity status has skyrocketed over two decades, Bronny tends to be more reserved and introspective than his father. Friends and family often joke about his enthusiasm for video games, which ranks alongside his recently heightened commitment to basketball.
LeBron initiated this journey when he announced his aspiration to play alongside Bronny, though he later clarified that he simply wished to remain in the league concurrently with his son. Last summer, however, the focus shifted dramatically when Bronny experienced cardiac arrest during a workout at USC. Despite feeling that playing alongside his father was not his lifelong dream, Bronny entered the NBA draft after just one brief collegiate season, making this moment possible.
Support from the Lakers’ front office has been strong and unwavering. General Manager Rob Pelinka intentionally selected Bronny with the 55th overall pick, emphasizing the historical significance: “The biggest moments in sports happen with the Lakers.” Despite this endorsement, basketball analysts generally agree that Bronny is a borderline NBA prospect who might have benefited from additional experience in college.
Concerns about favoritism and nepotism may arise among players who have dedicated years to earn their shot, but there isn’t currently any sentiment of bitterness evident within the Lakers squad. Instead, the team shows a protective stance towards Bronny amid the outside scrutiny he faces from media and fans alike.
“There’s pressure on all of us, but the pressure on him is slightly different from most young players,” Redick noted. “However, I don’t sense any anxiety. We’ve discussed the importance of being consistent with work ethic and energy every day.” Bronny’s teammates have commended his strong work ethic and desire to improve, a reflection of the relentless drive that LeBron has displayed throughout his remarkable career now in its record-tying 22nd season.
Bronny has gained recognition for his defensive prowess since showcasing his skills during summer league play. “He’s a tough player,” Davis commented. “He has a defensive mindset with impressive blocks and is effective in physical play. He’s adapting to the game, and we need to remember that he’s still a rookie, trying to navigate a different style of basketball, but I like what I’m observing.”