LeBron James, the iconic star of the Los Angeles Lakers, is gearing up for another season, but this one carries an extra layer of significance. As he steps onto the court, James harbors a personal and professional goal to share the NBA spotlight with his son, Bronny James. The elder James, often hailed as one of the greatest to ever play the game, envisions a historic father-son duo in the league, yet he firmly maintains a boundary between their familial roles and their professional identities.
The Father-Son Dynamic
LeBron James, a co-producer of the show "The Shop," is very conscious of the need to differentiate his roles as a father and a teammate. In a candid conversation, he elaborated on this unique balance: "No, he can't; we already laid that down. 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.' No, he gotta call me '2-3' or 'Bron,' or 'GOAT' if he wants to. It's up to him. I mean, it's up to him."
This boundary ensures that Bronny treats his father with the same respect as he would any other teammate while on the court. LeBron further emphasized, "We cannot be running down the court, and he'd be like, 'Dad, Push the ball up! Dad, I'm open! Dad, come on!'" This clarity in their relationship underscores the professionalism LeBron brings to his interactions with his son in a high-stakes environment like the NBA.
For Bronny, the adjustment might be challenging, given that he is accustomed to calling his father by more familiar terms at home. LeBron acknowledges this transition: "It's easy for me because I've been calling him 'Bronny' for so long. It's not like I've been, 'Hey son, hey son.' So it's easy for me. It's gonna be an adjustment for him."
Upcoming Lakers Season
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to commence their media day on September 30, a prelude to an intense period of preparation. Training camp kicks off the following day, October 1, setting the stage for a season filled with high expectations.
The Lakers will begin their preseason on October 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This matchup will serve as an early indicator of the team’s readiness and chemistry. Intriguingly, the Lakers will face the Timberwolves again in their regular-season opener on October 22, raising the stakes and adding a layer of familiarity to the encounter.
As LeBron James navigates this season with the aim of achieving new milestones alongside his son, and as the Lakers work towards reclaiming their former glory, the basketball world will be watching with keen interest. The dynamic between LeBron and Bronny offers a compelling subplot within the broader narrative of the NBA season.