LeBron James' honest take on Bronny's Lakers season start

Joseph Kallan

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LeBron James shares honest truth about Bronny's play to start Lakers season image

TL;DR

  • LeBron James and Bronny James are the first father-son pair to play concurrently in the NBA for the Los Angeles Lakers.
  • Bronny James has shown significant growth and is expected to have an end-of-the-bench role now that LeBron is back.
  • LeBron James expressed pride and amusement regarding Bronny's development and his son's independent life.
  • Bronny James is showing considerable progress, averaging nearly one steal and two assists per game for the Lakers.

It's frequently difficult to recall that both LeBron James and Bronny James are part of the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the first father-son pair to compete in the NBA concurrently, especially on the same roster.

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 questioned about his son's recent performance, LeBron didn't hesitate to share a fatherly jest.

“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 struggled to suppress his laughter, even inquiring about Bronny's feelings, and the young guard's reply elicited chuckles from James and the assembled reporters in the locker room.

The Lakers organization has a strong belief in Bronny's potential. While his entry into the league wasn't identical to his father's, nor did he have his father's immense reputation preceding him, Bronny is showing considerable progress as he gains more court experience.

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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Contributing Writer