It’s often hard to forget that both LeBron James and Bronny James play for the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the first-ever father–son duo to play in the NBA at the same time, let alone for the same team.
While some might’ve called the Lakers' selecting Bronny with their late 2024 second-round pick biased or predetermined, regardless of what your personal feelings are toward him, his come-up from day one to the present has shown a level of growth most young athletes aren’t prepared for in today’s NBA.
Having been given multiple opportunities to shine amidst the absence of his father, Bronny should expect an end-of-the-bench role now that LeBron is back in action and a full-time member of the rotation.
When asked how he felt about his son’s recent level of play, let’s just say LeBron wasn’t afraid to throw in a dad joke of his own.
“Man, it’s been great to see, to watch, and he’s still young, just turned 21 not too long ago, and he’s still learning, still getting better with each and every rep,” James said. “I think he's enjoying the process. I think you can obviously ask him more than me. He's not a resident anymore, so we don't talk as much; he has his own place.”
James didn’t hold back in trying to fight through his own laughter, even asking Bronny how he felt, as the young guard’s response sparked laughter among James and the reporters in the locker room.
The Lakers organization is clearly high on Bronny. Although he didn’t enter the league under the same circumstances as his father — let alone with his father’s stature behind him — Bronny is still developing quite nicely as he continues to step onto the court.
Despite averaging just two points per game, Bronny is putting up nearly one steal and two assists across 11.9 minutes of action per night. He’s only appeared in nine games thus far but is on track to play more consistently throughout the regular season. Head coach JJ Redick has viewed the 21-year-old as one of the most intriguing prospects on the team, even awarding him his first start in their matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Bronny is still learning at an advanced rate most athletes his age can’t relate to. Let’s just say life tends to be a bit easier when you have not one, but two generational talents on the main roster.
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