Bronny James being the first son to play with his father in NBA history is very significant for multiple reasons. It exceeds a mere father-son achievement, making the impossible possible. This achievement in sports history shows where two generations of a family compete at the highest professional level simultaneously. This milestone could solidify Lebron James as the greatest basketball player that will ever live. Furthermore, the question everybody is wondering if Bronny can handle the pressure of competing on the same floor as his father, Lebron.
Hunter (11) thinks, “Lebron will retire in the next five years easily. I think the media is overreporting on Bronny because he is Lebron’s son. It’s great that Lebron and Bronny are playing together, and it’ll be good for the league.” This shows how a lot of pressure is being put on Bronny as Lebron’s son.
Cam (12) shares, “Lebron playing with his son is monumental to his legacy. I think Bronny can handle it because he was trained to. Seeing how Lebron has been playing for 20 years, I believe he has two more years in him before he retires playing in the NBA.”
While Bronny’s entry was highly anticipated, a lot of hate came towards Bronny. Critics argued he needed to play in the G League before playing in the NBA. Bronny was averaging 0 points every time the Los Angeles Lakers played. The spotlight is very harsh for Bronny with constant comparison to Lebron especially with the media. On October 18th, Bronny played well showing that he can compete in the NBA. Bronny scored 17 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 1 block. These stats show his potential on how Bronny can compete in the NBA. Lebron James’ pride in Bronny is very heartwarming; there is a gleam in his eye when he talks about his son. Lebron understands the weight and expectations of Bronny. “With this in mind, the elder James wants to remind people that his 20-year-old son is on the team and can speak for himself. The four-time NBA champion quickly established a boundary on Monday when deflecting a question about his son’s adjustment to the NBA and told reporters to ask him for themselves.”
Madison Williams writes in LeBron James Bluntly Deflects Question About Bronny During Lakers Media Availability, “‘ You gotta ask him,’ [Lebron] James said. ‘He’s a grown man, ask him how he’s handling it.'” This shows how Lebron understands Bronny’s pressure on the expectations to be as great as he is. Lebron’s protective nature is constantly shown when addressing media questions about Bronny’s adjustment to being in the league. Lebron James believes Bronny must sculpt his own identity to be the best basketball player he believes he can be.
On October 22nd, the NBA regular season begins, and history is officially made. With 4 minutes left the Los Angeles Lakers sub in Bronny and Lebron James as the first father and son duo to play in NBA history. The crowd gasped in awe seeing history appear in front of their eyes. It was truly a beautiful sight to comprehend. Although Bronny did not score with the assist Lebron gave to him, the Lakers won the game against Minnesota with the score ending 110 – 103.
In conclusion, Lebron James’s approach to his son’s entry into the league is not only a complex relationship but also delves into broader themes in sports and parenting. By deflecting media questions directed at Bronny, Lebron constantly reinforces that he is proud of his son getting to the league. It is essential for Bronny to establish himself as an individual athlete, but this will be a challenge due to the nepotism his dad brings with the media. As they go through this journey together, fans will see not only a father and son but also two different athletes striving to be their best.
