The Los Angeles Lakers were a part of history last season, as LeBron James and Bronny James became the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game together.
While it was a unique moment in history, Bronny recently opened up about the experience, as well as discussing his health issues after suffering cardiac arrest just two years ago. In an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James said that he thought the experience of playing with his father was ‘great’ but not something he’ll constantly look back on.
“I just think that if you know me, I don’t really like the spotlight in big moments,” James said to McMenamin. “I mean, it was a great experience to be part of because it was the first son-father duo. But I’m a chill guy. I don’t like [all that]. It comes with it. But yeah, I don’t really like to go back. I mean, I’ll watch my good performances where I have some minutes under my belt, but I’m not going to go and watch that.”
James played in 27 games for the Lakers last season, averaging 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists on 31.3% shooting in 6.7 minutes per night.
Bronny’s Perspective
James was in a unique situation, one that has been criticized by many and praised by others. He was picked 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft to join his father on the Lakers. He made his debut in their season opener last October and, since then, has been one of the most discussed players in the NBA, strictly because of his name.
“It was definitely like, ‘OK, this is where I stand right now, I need to just be better,'” James said, referring to an early season game. “I need to get in the gym, get extra shots up, work on my body, work on my IQ, watch film, stuff like that with the coaches. So, it was definitely an eye-opener for me.”
While his NBA numbers were more consistent with where he was picked rather than his name, James found success in the G-League rather than alongside his father on the big stage. On the South Bay Lakers, James averaged 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, while leading the team to a winning record when he played.
He also had a large role on the Lakers’ Summer League team, going head-to-head against Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks and Jeremiah Fears of the New Orleans Pelicans. However, James said that the experience wasn’t his favorite.
“My head is all over the place,” James said. “There’s so much going on in Vegas. I personally don’t like summer league at all. I like the competition and the games, but I don’t like coming to Vegas and being in Vegas… After this, I’m just doing nothing.”
Health Concerns Persist
While James is still getting his footing as a consistent rotational player in the NBA, health concerns persist from the cardiac arrest he suffered in the summer of 2023. Though he did make a full recovery to eventually play his freshman season for the USC Trojans and subsequently join the Lakers, James still has lasting health impacts from what was a life-threatening incident.
“I get kind of sick easier now,” James said. “Which is kind of weird, but I think it messed with my immune system a little bit. So, I would have times where I have to sit out, and that conditioning that I’m working on just goes away in that week of me being out.”
Knowing the importance of recovery and health in the NBA, James credited his father for being at the top of the sport for so long, now set to begin his record-setting 23rd season in the NBA.
“I think that’s a big part of why his longevity is just so crazy and he’s able to withstand so much for 20-plus years,” James said. “I see a lot of guys that don’t want to get in an ice bath after practice or don’t want to get treatment.”
While rumors continue on the future of James Sr. and where he will play, James also said that he knows to take those reports with a grain of salt. In a separate interview with ESPN weeks ago, he said that he and his father don’t often discuss the rumor mill.
“I think when stuff like that does come up, he just tells me to not worry about it, to not even pay attention to it [and] just lock into what you have going on right now,” James said. “I think it’s good that he tells me to not pay attention to that stuff.”
Bronny James is in perhaps the most unique situation the NBA has ever seen, strictly based on the name on the back of his jersey and the team he plays for.
Bronny James Admits Truth About Playing On Lakers With LeBron