"Unadulterated Happiness" for LeBron James as Bronny Becomes a Laker Too
Prior to becoming the initial father-son pair to team up in the NBA, LeBron James and Bronny James received the spotlight on Monday at Los Angeles Lakers media day.
The Jameses were the main attraction at the preseason event, held a few weeks before the start of the 2024-25 season. Years ago, LeBron James expressed his desire to play alongside his son before retiring from the NBA. Now that he is teammates with his 19-year-old son, he was asked to reflect on his emotions about the situation.
\"Just pure elation, man,\" he stated. \"I am at a loss for words. I can speak about myself, but when it comes to him, I am speechless.
\"I am extremely proud. Proud of him for reaching this point. He is a man now. He is ready to go.\"
Bronny James, a guard who played last year at Southern California, was selected by the Lakers with the 55th overall pick in June's NBA draft.
\"This is an unbelievable feeling,\" Bronny James shared. \"Just seeing my dad taking pictures, I was like, 'What is happening right now?' That was my exact thought. I am just trying to take it all in. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity.\"
The father and son spent part of the day posing for photos together and speaking with the media, typical activities for media day.
Soon, it will be time to get down to business. The Lakers' season opener is on October 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
New head coach JJ Redick did not reveal any details about how the team plans to have the Jameses on the court together.
\"We do not have a set plan in terms of how we will make it happen,\" Redick explained. \"We have discussed it as a coaching staff and have gone over some specifics on what it could look like. However, we have not committed to anything yet.\"
Redick, a friend and former podcast partner of LeBron James, is starting his first head coaching position. Meanwhile, James will turn 40 in December and will be entering his 22nd NBA season, tying Vince Carter for the most in league history.
\"I feel physically great,\" James shared. \"Mentally, I feel sharp and fresh. I am looking forward to getting to work tomorrow. I have not thought about what the future holds. I am just living in the moment, especially with Bronny here. I do not want to take this moment for granted.\"
One thing is certain: LeBron James does not want his son calling him \"Dad\" while they are working together.
\"I have not reached that point yet,\" Bronny James admitted. \"It will probably be something like 'Bron.' That would be the easiest option.\"
