As the game of basketball has progressed, the competition keeps growing. The demands from the players are far greater than they once were. With the spotlight constantly on college and high school athletes, their system is more of a test. From a young age, the upcoming talents have to prove themselves in multiple competitions. Moreover, it all comes without any guarantee of making it to the NBA. Likewise, as a parent, LeBron James isn’t a fan of the culture. And he keeps his two sons, Bronny and Bryce, from being too involved with the sport.
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Growing up in the shadow of one of the greatest basketball players of all time isn’t easy. It sets mammoth expectations right from the get-go. The same has been the case with Bronny and Bryce James. As the two share the stage of teammates for Sierra High, they are always under the microscope. James’ elder son, Bronny is a four-star recruit with his eyes set on playing alongside his father. On the other hand, Bryce is a bright talent brewing under the King’s tutelage.
However, while LeBron James supports both of his sons on all platforms, he is against the progression in expectations. Notably, during the post-game press conference, the Akron Hammer admitted that too much is expected from the players nowadays. And with the growing number of tournaments, he doesn’t let his two sons play that much basketball.
LeBron James allows his sons to take a rest
After a season-high 39 points in the win against the San Antonio Spurs, LeBron James sat down to have a word with the media. Among the topics discussed, one was the current expectations of players even before getting to the NBA. With the insane amount of tournaments, James feels there is no room for recovery in today’s game. Moreover, the 18-time All-Star stated that players’ bodies go through significant wear and tear even before getting to the big league. That’s a huge reason he allows both Bryce and Bronny to take the necessary time off.
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LeBron James said: “I think it’s too many tournaments, I think it’s too much basketball. Too many basketball tournaments being played.” The four-time MVP continued, “Having kids of my own, I allow them to not play in certain tournaments. I’ve told them just ‘If you want to go and be a great teammate, cool. But if you want to sit out the first half of the tournament or the first couple games, or you want to play every other game, I completely understand’.”
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LeBron James said he first wanted to treat Westbrook's cut since "his health is more important than the game." Once the situation de-escalated, he wanted to do something to Zach Collins. pic.twitter.com/Q9x8GmLlXr
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 27, 2022
As a 20-year veteran still on top of his game, LeBron James knows the importance of conditioning. Even after so many miles on his body after entering the league straight from high school, the King remains on top of his game. Averaging nearly 26 points per game for the Los Angeles Lakers, the four-time Finals MVP has mastered the path to longevity. Likewise, understanding just how much toll the body can take, his response to his sons’ requests might be for the best.
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The path to getting to the NBA is much harder today. The odds of making it to the league are 1-3,333. This goes to show just how fierce the competition is at these times. Likewise, it’s necessary for athletes to be in their best shape and reserve their best for their pro career. Both Bronny and Bryce share the dream their father made come true. And with LeBron James taking care of them, the duo has a high chance of continuing the royal lineage in the NBA.