LeBron James had his feet dipped inside a bucket of ice on Wednesday night, sitting in the Lakers’ locker room after their season had come to an end following a defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While the room stayed quiet, LeBron kept his eyes fixed on his phone until his attention shifted toward his 20-year-old son, Bronny.
Standing just across from him, Bronny said something softly that only his dad could catch. That ordinary exchange between them marked the close of something rare in basketball history.
It was the end of a season where both father and son had worn the same NBA jersey. Given all the challenges Bronny has faced, where does this shared moment stand for LeBron among his many achievements?
“That one sits right at the top,” LeBron said following the Lakers’ 103-96 defeat. “No doubt. It’s far ahead of the rest. Playing basketball, which I’ve loved all my life, alongside my son this whole season has given me one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.
“From the night he got drafted when we were in New York celebrating, to watching him struggle early during summer league… then seeing him get better with time.”
Sharing the Court as Father and Son
Back on October 6, during a preseason matchup in Palm Desert, California, LeBron and Bronny stepped onto the court together for the first time. Later in the postseason, Bronny also made his playoff debut in the final minutes of the Lakers’ opening game loss to the Timberwolves.
Speaking about his son, LeBron said, “I can tell he’s going to go far. His skills on the court are real, but more than that, he’s just a great kid. Anyone, whether teammate or coach, will tell you he’s someone who lifts the mood.”
Then, with a proud smile, LeBron added, “And I think I deserve some credit for how he turned out.” Though the Lakers didn’t meet their expectations this season, Bronny said he found joy in how he grew during his rookie year.
Bronny Reflects on His First NBA Season
During his first year with the Lakers, Bronny took part in 27 NBA games, putting up an average of 2.3 points each night. He also suited up 11 times for the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where he posted 21.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, leading the team in scoring.
“Being placed in a spot where many would struggle to cope, I still managed to grow,” Bronny said, looking back at how the year started. “So I think pushing through all that and improving while at it is something I can be proud of. I’d say it was a strong year for me.”
When asked if he ever felt that pressure or doubt tried to drag him down, Bronny was quick to agree. “Of course, that happens all the time. I could give so many examples of when I felt distracted or thrown off,” he said. “But I believe those moments are good for my growth, and I’m glad I could pull through.”
