LEBRON JAMES MEME | FATHER & SON HISTORY

 

THE FIRST FATHER & SON ASSIST IN NBA HISTORY!

 

NBA MEDIA WON'T STOP LYING ABOUT BRONNY JAMES!

 

LAKERS ' BRONNY JAMES NETS 1ST BUCKET, CALLS IT 'DREAM COME TRUE'

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CLEVELAND -- With the game all but decided early in the second half, the Cavaliers cruising toward a 134-110 win and their first 5-0 start since 2016, the Cleveland crowd started rooting for the other team Wednesday night.

Specifically for Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James, son of LeBron, the greatest player in Cavaliers history.

A "We Want Bronny!" chant started midway through the third quarter and was picked back up midway through the fourth when Lakers coach JJ Redick acquiesced, subbing him in for only the second regular-season game action of his early career.

And this time, he got his first NBA bucket.

Bronny scored on a 14-foot step-back jumper from the left wing over Jaylon Tyson with 2:03 remaining in the fourth quarter, causing the wave of fans that stuck around to see the moment to stand up and show appreciation for the hometown product.

"It was insane," Bronny said of the reception after finishing with 2 points, 2 assists and 1 steal in five minutes. "Much more than I anticipated for sure. But it's all love. It was insane. It was a nice moment. The chants really got me. I was straight-faced, but I felt it and it felt really good, especially coming from here.

"Yeah, it was a special moment for me for sure."

LeBron said that type of moment might have swallowed him up when he was a rookie with the Cavs in 2003.

"He's better than I would have been in that situation -- 20,000 fans screaming my name to get in the game and wanting me to be in the game, and if the role's reversed, I don't know if I would have been able to handle it," said LeBron, who scored 26 points but had six turnovers as he lost in Cleveland as an opponent for only the third time in 12 games. "To see him get his first NBA basket in this arena where he grew up not too far away from here, it's an unbelievable moment.

"An unbelievable moment for him, first of all. For our family. It's just pretty cool to be a part of it."

Bronny last played on opening night, subbing in against the Timberwolves in the second quarter along with LeBron, and shooting 0-for-2 from the field in three minutes. This time, he took the court with his dad watching from the sideline and his grandmother, Gloria, sitting in the stands with a Lakers hat on as she watched another generation compete in the family business.

"I've been just taught to play the right way my whole life," Bronny said as he sat next to LeBron during their postgame news conference. "So, just me going in there and playing my game is always something that I'm going to do."

The crowd clamored for Bronny to shoot the ball from the moment he checked in with 5:16 left in the fourth quarter. His teammates accounted for seven shot attempts in the next three minutes before he finally hoisted one.

The game came 10 years to the day when LeBron played his first game in his second stint with the Cavs -- a four-year span when he led the team to four straight NBA Finals appearances and delivered the only championship in franchise history in 2016, breaking a 53-year title drought for the city.

Though the Akron, Ohio, native was initially vilified by Cleveland sports fans when he signed with the Miami Heat as a free agent in 2010, his return healed old wounds, and the region rallied around LeBron and his family. That was abundantly clear Wednesday, with the Cavs greeting LeBron and Bronny with welcome images of them celebrating the title over the Golden State Warriors on a video screen by the visitors locker room and then using a first-quarter timeout to play a tribute video for the father-son pair.

"We spent a lot of years here," LeBron said afterward. "We're part of this community, obviously. ... We were born not too far from here, 35 miles south of here, [our] hometown of Akron. And I spent 11 years of my NBA career -- half of my career -- here.

"We have so many great moments. We have so many great moments not only on the floor at this arena, no matter what the name is, if it was the Gund Arena or the Q, and now it's Rocket Mortgage. ... A lot of great memories on the court, but a lot of great memories off the floor as well in this community. To have the mutual respect and love for what we was able to accomplish in the years that we were here, it's definitely very humbling."

For Bronny, who said he used to play pickup games on a practice court tucked away on the top floor of the arena while his dad was playing NBA games, he got to experience his time on center stage.

"Pretty much since I picked the ball up," Bronny said when asked how long he has envisioned scoring his first basket in the pros. "I've been watching [my dad] for a minute playing in the league. Just dreaming of me being in those players' steps, not only [LeBron's] but players he used to play against and with.

"So yeah, it was just a dream come true for me."

- Dave McMenamin, ESPN Staff Writer

LEBRON JAMES MEME 😆

 

CHUCK SAYS BRONNY ISN'T READY FOR NBA 👀 | INSIDE THE NBA

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LEBRON & BRONNY JAMES PLAY TOGETHER FOR A HISTORIC FIRST | NBA 🏀

LEBRON AND BRONNY JAMES SHARE COURT, MAKE NBA HISTORY AS LAKERS BEAT WOLVES

LeBron James shared the court with his 20-year-old son Bronny and later called the moment ‘one of the greatest gifts’.

The 39-year-old superstar LeBron James and his 20-year-old son played almost two and a half minutes together late in the first half of Bronny's NBA debut in the season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto Arena in Los Angeles [Frederic J Brown/AFP]

LeBron James and his son Bronny have made history by becoming the first father-son duo to play together in a regular season NBA game in the Los Angeles Lakers’ season-opening win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The sold-out crowd let out a roar when 20-year-old Bronny came on alongside LeBron, who was reentering with four minutes to play in the first half of the game on Tuesday.

Bronny, who like many first-year players is not expected to see significant floor time this season, grabbed a rebound in his three minutes of action while LeBron contributed 16 points in the Lakers’ 110-103 win.

“It’s always been family over everything,” LeBron said alongside Bronny after the game.

“I lost a lot of time because of this league … so to be able to have this moment where I am working still and I can work alongside my son, it’s one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever got from the man above and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

No father-son duo has ever played during the same NBA season, let alone on the same team. The pair appeared together during a preseason game earlier this month.

LeBron, 39, had long said one of his remaining goals in basketball was to play with his son, a guard selected with the 55th pick of the NBA Draft in June after one season at the University of Southern California.

LeBron, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a four-time champion and three-time Olympic gold medallist, is now in his 22nd NBA season and has yet to say when he plans to call time on his career.

Bronny, meanwhile, is looking to make a name for himself in the league he has grown up around with a father who has also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.

“Going up to the scorer’s table and checking in for the first time was a crazy moment I will never forget,” Bronny said.

"I'm just extremely grateful for everything. I was given an amazing opportunity to come into this league and get better every day and learn every day.”

LeBron said he reminds his eldest son how fortunate they are to play in the NBA.

“This is not promised every day that you get to play in this beautiful league,” he said.

“There’s only 450 of us and you have to understand it’s not given to you, you have to earn every moment. I think he knows that and he looks forward to the process of getting better every single day to be the player he ultimately wants to be.

“I’m super proud of him. He’s my lifeline, that’s for sure.”

- News Agencies

BRONNY JAMES PUTS UP IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS 👏 | LA LAKERS

 

LAKERS MULL HISTORIC LEBRON-BRONNY GAME

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick already has started thinking about LeBron James and Bronny James becoming the first father-son duo in NBA history to share the court together this season, but he said he will involve both players when it comes to putting a plan in place for when and how that moment happens.

"We obviously have talked about it as a staff and we've gotten into some specifics of what that might look like," Redick said Wednesday during a joint news conference with Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka. "But we haven't committed to anything. And obviously, there's a discussion to be had once we're all together with Bronny and LeBron, too. They should be a part of that discussion as well."

LeBron is 39 and entering his 22nd season. Bronny is 19 and entering his rookie year after L.A. drafted him in the second round (No. 55 overall) after he played one season at USC.

While the regular season doesn't begin until Oct. 22, when the Lakers host the Minnesota Timberwolves, Pelinka said the team already has seen a glimpse of the James bloodline in action during a pickup game at the practice facility this week.

"[Bronny] got switched onto LeBron, and LeBron took him baseline, up and under off the glass," Pelinka said. "The words exchanged afterward were probably more challenging than anything else."

LeBron shared some mild-mannered trash talk Wednesday on his Instagram account, posting Pelinka's quote about the father-son pickup sequence and writing, "Great defense. Better O."

Redick, entering his first season on the sideline after leaving behind a burgeoning broadcasting and podcasting career, did not sound fazed by the additional assignment of managing the James family while also the team at large.

"I don't look at it as a challenge," Redick said. "It's unique from any other challenge of coaching a player or coaching a relationship. Bronny, I feel very fortunate that I get to coach him because he's young and he's hungry, and he's got a lot of inherent skill sets that we can really mold into a really good NBA player. On top of that, he's a fantastic kid. He's extremely coachable. He's got the right spirit and energy every single day. So ... it's not something I've really thought of as a challenge."

The bigger challenge than how to find time for his best player and a rookie who figures to spend a lot of time in the G League together is how to keep the Lakers competitive in a crowded Western Conference field.

Following a first-round playoff exit after earning the No. 7 seed with a win over the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament, L.A. is largely returning the same team.

And while the time off has allowed Gabe Vincent and second-year guard Jalen Hood-Schifino to heal and be ready to report to next week's training camp fully healthy, according to Pelinka, there are still injuries affecting the roster.

Jarred Vanderbilt underwent procedures on his feet in the offseason, Pelinka revealed Wednesday. He had a midfoot injury in his right foot addressed and a bone spur in his left heel cleaned up.

"We have a lot of optimism that when the real games start, he'll be available," Pelinka said of Vanderbilt. "Between now and then, there is still about a month, and there are a lot of ramp up steps that need to go well, so hopefully there won't be setbacks."

And backup center Christian Wood continues to be sidelined after having a scope on his left knee earlier this month.

- Dave McMenamin, ESPN Staff Writer

BRONNY JAMES CAN'T CALL LEBRON 'DAD' AS TEAMMATES

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and his son Bronny James will have title adjustments to make as teammates next season.

In a snippet from a new episode of Uninterrupted's "The Shop," LeBron addressed one of the most anticipated scenarios when playing with his son: Can Bronny call LeBron "dad" in the locker room, practice and games?

"[He] cannot call me dad in the workplace," LeBron said.

Bronny was selected as the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft by the Lakers, where his father, LeBron, is entering his seventh season. Before Bronny was drafted, an active father-son duo never played in the NBA simultaneously.

"Once we leave out the private facility and the gates close, I could be dad again [and] in the car if we ride together, at home I could be dad," LeBron said.

LeBron has alternatives on what the 19-year-old can call his father in basketball environments.

"He got to call me like '2-3' or 'Bron' or, you know, 'GOAT' if he want to. It's up to him.

"We cannot be running down the court, and he'd be like, 'Dad, push the ball up! Dad, I'm open! Dad, come on!'" LeBron said.

James is entering his 21st season in the NBA with the Lakers after agreeing to return to the franchise on a two-year, $104 million contract that includes a player option for 2025-26 with a no-trade clause.

Bronny agreed to a four-year, $7.9 million deal with a team option on the final year of his contract.

- Kalan Hooks, ESPN

RICK ROSS FLAMES NEPOTISM NARRATIVE ON BRONNY JAMES: "YOU MOTHERF**KERS GOT A JOB BY SOMEBODY YOU KNOW"

Rick Ross flames nepotism narrative on Bronny James. (Credits: @bronny/Instagram, @richforever/Instagram)

 When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny James as the 55th pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft, a nepotism narrative was popularised in the community. Some fans accused LeBron James of abusing his position in the Lakers team to get his son inside the NBA.

However, American rapper Rick Ross has come to Bronny James' aid, countering the hate on social media:

"Nepotism-Nepotism. You all making me sick, every two years you'all coming up with a new word. 'The Narrative', 'Toxicity', 'Toxic', now it is Nepotism. 85% all you motherf**kers got a job by somebody you know." 

Ross further said that many are making a big deal out of a 55th-pick signing. He remarked that Bronny James was a bigger star than 95% of the players in the league, with a brand value that surpasses most.He called out the fans for hypocrisy, noting how many seek to get into concerts for free through their connections. Lastly, he asked Bronny to do the iconic chalk dust throw and leg pump celebration that his father made famous in the NBA to shut down the haters.

Bronny James shares his reaction to getting drafted by the Lakers

The never-thought-possible duo of a father and son playing on the same NBA team became a reality when the Lakers drafted Bronny James. The former USC Trojans player shared his reaction by uploading a post by the Los Angeles Lakers on his story and accompanied it with the caption:

The post featured an image of him along with details of his draft pick, welcoming him to the Lakers. Some have been pushing the narrative of nepotism because the athlete did not have the best stats to back him up.

He averaged a modest 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his freshman year at the Trojans. While these numbers are not associated with an NBA draft pick, it's to be noted that Bronny missed most of the season due to a cardiac arrest on the court and required medical care midway through the campaign.He was cleared just before the NBA draft combine, where he impressed many with his skills and ranged shooting prowess.

- Avi Shravan

BRONNY AND LEBRON TEAM UP IN HISTORIC FIRST FOR NBA

USA TODAY Sports 

 Bronny James was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the NBA draft on Thursday, bringing his father LeBron one step closer to fulfilling his long-held dream of playing alongside his son.

Bronny, 19, was informed of the Lakers decision with a phone call from general manager Rob Pelinka while his dad gave an emotional champagne toast to family and friends when they received the news at a restaurant in New York, ESPN reported.

Bronny and LeBron will be the first father-son duo to play in the league at the same time and on the same team and while Bronny is not expected to log significant minutes in his rookie season, it will no doubt be a special moment when they appear together for the first time on the NBA hardwood.

"Family business," the Lakers posted on X alongside old and current pictures of Bronny and LeBron.

Bronny posted a photo of himself in a Lakers jersey on Instagram and Lakers great Magic Johnson congratulated Bronny and called his selection with the 55th pick of the draft a "historic moment" on X.

LeBron was aged 19 and the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year when his now wife Savannah gave birth to LeBron Raymone "Bronny" James Jr. in Akron, Ohio in 2004.

Bronny attracted enormous attention as a high school player at Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles and in his senior year was joined by his younger brother Bryce, a 17-year-old who could also potentially play in the NBA one day.

Last summer Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest while training with the University of Southern California (USC) basketball team and was placed in intensive care.

He was cleared to return to the team in November and went on to average 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game playing guard in his lone season with the Trojans.

There was some speculation that another team with a higher pick might swoop in and take Bronny before the Lakers, either to entice LeBron to switch teams or to simply mess with the Lakers plans.

But doing so would risk raising the ire of Rich Paul, the powerful NBA agent who represents Bronny, LeBron and many top tier players.

LeBron, the league's all-time leading scorer and a four-time champion, turns 40 in December and is entering into the 22nd season of his legendary career.

The Lakers, who fell in the first round of the NBA playoffs in April, have their work cut out for them in the competitive Western Conference next season with first time head coach JJ Redick at the helm.

Fans could get their first look at Bronny in action for the Lakers when the NBA's Summer League kicks off in Las Vegas on July 12.

"Watching Bronny suit up for the Lakers during Summer League in Vegas will be must-see TV!," Johnson wrote on X.

- Rory Carroll 

REPORT: NBA GIVES BRONNY JAMES MEDICAL CLEARANCE

USA TODAY Sports 

 A panel of NBA physicians has medically cleared Bronny James to be drafted, ESPN reported Monday.

The three doctors on the league's Fitness to Play Panel evaluated and approved his participation in this week's pre-draft scouting combine in Chicago, per the report.

The oldest son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was preparing for his 2023-24 freshman season at Southern California when he suffered cardiac arrest at practice in July and subsequently underwent a procedure to address a congenital heart defect. He didn't make his college debut until Dec. 10.

The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games (six starts) for the Trojans, shooting 36.6 percent from the field over 19.3 minutes.

James announced in early April that he was declaring for the draft and entering the NCAA transfer portal. He faces a May 29 deadline to decide whether to remain in the June 26-27 draft or return to college.

- Reuters 

ICE CUBE'S SON MOVES TO DEFEND LEBRON JAMES AND BRONNY JAMES

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LeBron James experienced a surge of emotions as he witnessed his son, Bronny James, make his debut for USC, marking a triumphant return to the court just five months after a cardiac arrest.

Despite the remarkable achievement and the heartwarming comeback story, some critics found an opportunity to cast shadows on the moment. Ice Cube's son swiftly came to the defense of the James duo, shutting down a troll on social media

While many basketball enthusiasts celebrated Bronny's return and his pursuit of his dreams post a health scare, a detractor on social media labeled the 19-year-old guard as 'trash, just like his father.' The comment, degrading and unnecessary, did not sit well with one passionate LA Lakers fan, who happened to be O'Shea Jackson Jr., the eldest son of rap icon Ice Cube.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM BRONNY JAMES DEBUT | ESPN COLLEGE BASKETBALL

'THANKFUL' BRONNY JAMES COMES OFF BENCH IN USC DEBUT

AP

LOS ANGELES -- USC freshman Bronny James hit a transition 3-pointer, delivered a sensational chase-down block -- that looked very familiar -- and had a steal and a free throw late in regulation during his long-awaited collegiate debut after suffering cardiac arrest less than five months ago.

Long Beach State, however, spoiled James' return to the court with an 84-79 upset over USC in overtime at the Galen Center on Sunday.

James finished with 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block off the bench while playing on a minutes restriction (16 minutes).

"I just want to say I'm thankful for everything," James, who did not take questions, said in his first comments to the media since suffering cardiac arrest at a USC practice on July 24. "Mayo Clinic, everything they helped me with, my parents, siblings for supporting me through this hard time in my life.

"I just want to give appreciation to everyone that's helped me through this. Also, my coach, my teammates, all my other coaches. They've been with me since the start and I just want to say I'm thankful for them."

USC'S BRONNY JAMES CLEARED BY DOCTORS FOR RETURN TO BASKETBALL 4 MONTHS AFTER CARDIAC ARREST

AP Photo 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bronny James has been cleared by doctors for a full return to basketball four months after suffering a cardiac arrest, and the Southern California freshman is expected to make his collegiate debut soon.

A James family spokesperson said in a statement Thursday that the 19-year-old will have a final evaluation with USC staff this week and resume practice next week. He will be able to play in games “soon after,” it said.

“The heart specialists have cleared him, which is great,” coach Andy Enfield said Thursday after practice, “and now it’s a matter of getting him back on the court next week hopefully to begin working out with the team full contact.”

BRONNY JAMES WARMS UP BEFORE USC GAME FOR FIRST TIME THIS SEASON AFTER HEART ISSUE

AP Photo

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bronny James warmed up with his USC teammates before a game for the first time this season after suffering a cardiac arrest in July.

He has yet to make his collegiate debut after it was determined he had a congenital heart defect that was treatable.

When asked how big a step that was for his son, Lakers superstar LeBron James smiled broadly Sunday night and said “Yeah. That's awesome. I feel it. He's almost there.”