LeBron James is a supportive and loving Dad, no two ways about it. But at the heart of it all, he is a professional and his harshest critic, something that not even his kids are exempt from. Remember when Bron—who agreed to a two-year deal with the Lakers, with a no-trade clause and a player option for the second season, the same day as his oldest signed a four-year guaranteed contract in July—was asked whether his oldest Bronny would be allowed to call him dad on the court? The answer was a resounding no: “No, he can’t… Cannot call me ‘Dad’ in the workplace, all right?” So, there’s that.

Given James’ busy schedule, it’s understandable that he might not be able to make it to his kids’ games. However, it never stops him from tuning into it, and noting down his observations for further discussion. Or even get them together for a film session. In an interview with GoJo & Golic, which is hosted by former NFL father-son duo, Mike Golic Sr. and Mike Golic Jr., Bron was asked by Golic Sr about their old familiar itch to get their sons to listen to their understanding of how their games went down,

“Do you break down, tape with them, and do your kids hate that as much as my kids hate it when I broke down football with them?”

“If I had a game the same day that they had a game, I definitely had it recorded,” Lebron said. “If I didn’t and if I was on the road, I was always watching the games and as soon as I saw them, I would definitely mention four, five, six plays that I saw that they could have been better at.

“They’re probably telling me that they were good and I’m wrong. Vice versa, we go back and forth. So, you know, I totally get it. Oh, and to go back on what you just said Sr., nine years in NFL, and that is, 15 plus years in the NBA, especially at your position. So, that is not a mere nine years. That physical, you know, pounding you guys got to take in that league. You know, nine years is quite of a career,” James said, explaining the routine the father and sons had.

The 20x All-Star knows only too well how important breaking down films is. One of the main reasons why the 39-year-old is still playing at an elite level is his meticulous preparation. And that often includes studying film. Remember when the COVID-19 restrictions brought the 82-game schedule down to 72? Not only that but it also saw an increase in how frequently the matchups were held. More often than not, there were back-to-backs and three games in four days! Because team training wasn’t happening as usual, James knew “because of the season and how it’s constructed, there’s not much time to practice. So, the film sessions, individually, as a team … [are] very important all the time.”

2024-25 would be LeBron’s 22nd season in the league and sixth with the Lakers as  the No. 55 pick will look to debut on Oct 4 when the Lakers go against the Timberwolves in the second pre-season game of the season. Bryce is yet to catch up as the Class of 2025 guard will enter his senior year at Sierra Canyon High School. So, how are the two pros training during the off season? Bron has an update.

LeBron realizes his career days are numbered

With the Lakers training camp just over a week away, the father-son duo on the professional court can be predicted to be the biggest headline this coming season. So, how early can we expect for the two to playing alongside each other? Well, according to NBA reporter and podcaster, Zach Lowe, the two will “100%” play together in Los Angeles’ opening game, which could be their regular season opener on Oct. 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers might not be the championship contenders but they would certainly like to unwind from the growing anticipation to set eyes on the real thing.

As many think of Bronny to become a project player, who will likely have lengthy stints in the G League to develop confidence against lesser competition, No. 23 is simply content seeing his dream of playing alongside his son coming true in just a few days. In the same interview from Friday, here’s how Papa James described their first time going at each other as professionals during their offseason training.

“It’s definitely different in the sense of just with Bronny being part of the team now, I’m looking at you two guys right now, I think it’s one of the greatest things in the world to be able to work with your kid. This week, we got back into the gym and it was really the first time that me and Bronny were basically on the floor as professionals training, going against each other and preparing for the season.

“I had a couple moments where I kind of just lost focus, and I’m not used to losing focus when I’m out on the floor. But there was a couple times where I was looking to the side and just watching him and watching him prepare and go after it. It’s gonna be an unbelievable year for myself and I hope for him as well.”

How would the season fare for the both of them is uncertain but there’s much to look forward to as the two, whether they step into the court at the same time or not, will become the first father-son duo to compete on the same league team.