Having a great veteran leader is a blessing in the NBA. Especially for the rookies who are just beginning their pro career and getting used to the ways of the league. And no one might be luckier in this department than Bronny James because he has his dad as a teammate, who somehow also happens to be one of the greatest players ever. Getting the firsthand experience of seeing the “different” father-son dynamic between Bronny and LeBron, Lakers star D’Angelo Russell deemed it the ultimate “cheat to the test” for the rookie.

Following Bronny’s preseason debut against the Wolves, D’Lo was asked if he thought the moment felt historic with LBJ watching from the sidelines. However, Russell replied with a unique perspective, “I mean, I’ve been around those guys for a good bit now so for me, it’s really off the court. You kind of see the words of wisdom that Bron’s dropping whenever he gets the chance.” Sure enough, practicing together now that they are teammates, LeBron will try to pass on whatever knowledge he has to his son.

That might give Bronny the ultimate edge as D’Lo remarked, “I mean that’s a cheat to the test, right? When you’ve got somebody who has all the answers, you can either cheat off that person or study that study guide. I think that’s the ultimate advantage that Bronny has with his dad being the teacher and the test.” Apart from being a 4x champion, LeBron is also one of the highest IQ players ever. And that was evident in his podcast with JJ Redick as the duo broke down every basketball play imaginable. Well, if Bronny picks up even half of what his dad teaches him and applies it to his game, he is sure to have a successful NBA career.

Sure enough, D’Lo himself is soaking in LeBron and Bronny’s unique locker room relationship, “Obviously, Bron in the locker room with his son, so there are father-son moments there. For me, I respect it and I appreciate it. It’s really different because you haven’t. I have never seen that.” And he is gradually getting used to it, “To normalize it right away is crazy. But I think, for us to continue to see that, it’s becoming more normal to see those conversations and those encounters. It’s becoming normal.”

Moreover, LBJ has taken the onus upon himself to help Bronny and even other young players improve their game, “It’s up to us, as the veterans and the guys out here, to try to help him, help Dalton (Knecht), help all the young guys to get them better and better every single day at what we want to accomplish.” And JJ Redick is also pursuing the same goal.

JJ Redick sees Bronny James as a future “Disruptive” player after 2-point debut

While Bronny scored only two points in his preseason debut, JJ Redick was filled with pride after his performance. That’s because the rookie has shown immense growth since he got drafted, “He’s had some really good days in August and September. He has had really really good days this week. We’re really happy with his progress.” Although Bronny struggled offensively last night, he did show glimpses of greatness on the defensive end.

Despite his 6’1 frame, the guard got three crucial blocks which even led to points for the Lakers on the other end. And JJ has high expectations from Bronny’s defensive tenacity, “The kid, he can do some things defensively at his size that are really unique and can I think turn into a really disruptive defender.” Similar to players like Jrue Holiday or Lu Dort, who are undersized guards but have been highly effective because of their amazing defense, JJ believes Bronny could have a similar trajectory.

However, JJ acknowledged Bronny’s lack of identity on offense, “On the offensive end, he is still kind of figuring out who he is.” But similar to LeBron, JJ took it upon himself to help the rookie overcome his weaknesses. “That’s our job as a player development program just to build him up.” With so many legends focused on making Bronny a success, D’Lo might be right about him having access to the ultimate cheat code.