LeBron James Reflects on Sharing Court With Bronny for First Time: ‘As a Father, It Means Everything'

LeBron James reflective after sharing an NBA court with his son Bronny for the first time.

Speaking to the press after the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason match against the Phoenix Suns, LeBron expressed how unforgettable the experience was. “It’s pretty cool for the both of us, and especially for our family,” said LeBron. “It’s definitely a moment that I will never forget.”

LeBron and Bronny shared a little over four minutes on the court in the second quarter of the game—which, coincidentally, happened on Bronny’s 20th birthday. Elaborating on the thrill of it all, LeBron expressed just how important this moment was as a father by explaining his lack of a relationship with his own.

“For a father, it means everything,” added LeBron. “For someone who didn’t have that growing up, to be able to have that influence on your kids and have that influence on your son, be able to have moments with your son — and the ultimate, to be able to work with your son — that’s one of the greatest things that a father could ever hope for or wish for.”

Bronny, when speaking to the press afterwards, expressed how he’s learning to share the court with his father. “I’m always thinking about, ‘That’s my dad!' because that’s literally my dad,” said Bronny. “But when I’m playing, he’s just my teammate. That’s all.”

Last week, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that the Golden State Warriors were extremely close to drafting Bronny, but decided not to out of respect for LeBron who made it clear that he wanted to play with his son.

“The Warriors liked Bronny’s skill set and had him on their draft board, sources said. Selecting him ahead of the Lakers, who held the 55th pick, would’ve been a shrewd move — perhaps even to entice James to sign there as a free agency,” she wrote. “But ultimately, sources said, the Warriors opted to respect the wishes James had made clear and the Lakers signaled they would grant.”