Emotional Bronny James Experience at Lakers Facility Had Dad LeBron Breaking Character Ahead of 19YO’s NBA Debut

“It’s going to work just like any one other of my teammates” With this quote, LeBron James made it clear what the dynamic was going to be between him and his eldest, Bronny, during the upcoming NBA season. Though they created history by becoming the first father-son duo set to play together on the NBA court, LeBron cannot look to give any partial treatment to the 19-year-old. However, the four-time champion himself cannot deny that this was a moment he had been looking forward to for years. Therefore, while he will be imposing certain rules during the regular season, the player has decided to keep his father persona for the practice sessions.

In a recent appearance on the ‘Gojo and Golic’ podcast, LeBron James touched base on how the upcoming season would be different than the others. Praising the father-son podcast duo, he highlighted how there is no greater thing than to “work with your kid”. The player himself got a better sense of what was to come after he and Bronny recently trained together, for the first time, as professionals. Having spent 21 years in the league, and having led the Lakers for over 6 seasons, someone like LeBron would certainly know how to best train rookies. However, when that rookie happens to be your son, some unusual things happen.

“I had a couple of moments where I kind of just…. I lost focus, you know,” said LeBron. “And, I’m not used to losing focus when I’m out on the floor but, you know, a couple of times, I was just looking to the side and just watching him, and watching him prepare, and watching him go after it. And it was just…” He concluded the remarks by stating, “It’s going to be an unbelievable year for myself, and I hope for him as well.”

Having lived in the same house for 19 years, both LeBron and Bronny would have had their fair share of practice sessions. As highlighted by many social media users, LeBron literally created his teammate “from scratch.” However, the dynamic between them has now changed. This was why, when asked back in July about what he was most looking forward to, Bronny himself stated, “Going against each other in practice.” Fortunately, LeBron doesn’t mind getting distracted during these practice sessions, as he needs to create memories whenever the opportunity presents itself.

“When you’re deep in training and focused on preparation, you might overlook opportunities to celebrate and appreciate what happens during the season. With Bronny here, I can take moments to reflect and appreciate the experience,” LeBron continued. “This career has spanned over two decades, and I know I won’t play for another two. So, I need to cherish these moments, and being alongside Bronny will definitely help with that.”

NBA fans are still unsure of how many games will LeBron and Bronny get to play together. After all, according to reports, the latter is set to spend the majority of the upcoming season in the G League. Given that his streak of abysmal performances continued even during the Summer League, it may not be the right time to pit him against experienced NBA veterans. However, not everyone holds this belief, as ESPN reporter Zach Lowe stated, “He’s (Bronny) 100% playing in the opening game so they can have a moment together. That’s going to happen, so they pass to each other or whatever it is.” No matter what happens, LeBron is preparing himself for the possibility of playing quite a few games with his firstborn. With no previous precedent set on how a father-son player duo has to be on the court, he is now establishing some himself.

Banning the use of ‘Dad’, LeBron James gave Bronny some options on what to call him during NBA games: “I mean, it’s up to him”

Back when he was still in the middle of his Gold Medal run at the 2024 Paris Olympics, LeBron James sat down for an interview with ‘The Shop’ podcast. With the NBA season being the next big thing after the Olympics, the host had to ask how things would work for him and Bronny. Having held the respect of several of his teammates for over two decades, LeBron did not want to create any exception for his own kid.

“We already laid that down. He cannot call me ‘Dad’ in the workplace, all right? Once we leave out of the practice facility and the gates close, I could be ‘Dad’ again. In the car if we ride together, at home, I could be ‘Dad’” said the 39-year-old. “No, he got to call me like ‘2-3’ (indicating LeBron’s Jersey Number 23) or ‘Bron’, or ‘GOAT’, if he wants to. It’s up to him. I mean, it’s up to him.”

LeBron highlighted that things won’t be that difficult, vice versa, since he has been calling Bronny by his name all the time. Therefore, Bronny will have another adjustment to make when starting the new chapter of his basketball journey. After all, “We cannot be running down the court and he’d be like, ‘Dad, I’m open! Dad, come on!’ No you cannot do that.”

What are your thoughts on the dynamic that LeBron and Bronny will share come the regular season? Let us know in the comments down below.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.