EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The James family dynasty could reach unprecedented heights this month as LeBron and Bronny James prepare to potentially become the first father-son combination to share significant playoff action in NBA history.
After making league history last season as the first parent-child duo to compete together professionally, the James pair has elevated their on-court partnership this year with substantial shared minutes and the NBA’s inaugural father-to-son assist.
With the Los Angeles Lakers set to battle the Houston Rockets in their opening playoff series, the basketball legend and his 21-year-old son appear positioned to add another groundbreaking achievement to their remarkable story. Despite nearly two seasons as teammates, the possibility of this fresh milestone continues to resonate with both players.
“It’s insane,” Bronny commented Thursday following practice at the Lakers’ training facility. “I mean, I’ve literally watched his whole career. Now I’m a part of it. So it’s a great experience. I’m appreciative of it — but I’m part of the job, too. So I have to do my job as well. I’ve got to lock in.”
The younger James has seen his court time expand significantly during recent weeks, becoming a consistent rotation player since injuries sidelined Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic two weeks ago.
LeBron expresses clear paternal satisfaction watching Bronny develop into a reliable contributor for their injury-depleted squad.
“Every moment we get an opportunity to play together is something I never take for granted,” LeBron said.
“Me being on the floor with him postseason, regular season, training camp, practices, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my career, above everything I’ve accomplished,” he added. “The fact that he’s put himself in position to get his number called for a postseason game is pretty remarkable and pretty cool, given the circumstances that he’s been through over the last couple of years. He earned it. He deserves it. He’ll be ready.”
Following limited appearances during his initial NBA season and a half, Bronny has emerged as a steady rotation piece — initially from necessity with the Lakers’ primary scorers injured, but also through merit-based performance. He has logged 13 or more minutes in seven of the team’s most recent 10 contests, averaging 19 minutes across the past four games.
This expanded role appears likely to persist throughout the playoffs, as neither Doncic nor Reaves will participate in Saturday’s Game 1, with no established timeline for their return.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick acknowledged he plans to utilize every available healthy player as Los Angeles attempts to overcome steep odds without their regular starting backcourt.
“We’re going to have to have all hands on deck in this series,” Redick said. “That’s just what we’re handed. I think Bronny has improved a lot. We trust him. The shooting piece (of his game), I’m a believer in, because of how well he shot it the last two years in the G League. … He’s improved a ton defensively, in terms of his body positioning, both on and off ball. We want him to continue to evolve as a disruptive defender as well.”
Bronny appeared in just four playoff minutes last season during two of the Lakers’ first-round defeats to Minnesota, and he admits he hasn’t participated in many high-stakes games throughout his brief basketball journey.
His only college campaign occurred at Southern California, though he didn’t compete for the Trojans until mid-season following recovery from an offseason cardiac event, and that squad failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
“It’s what I’ve wanted, to play in the playoffs,” Bronny said. “I wasn’t able to play in March (Madness), and this is a bigger stage than that. I’m so excited to get out there with my teammates and try to get some wins and try to make it further in the playoffs.”
Should they share court time this month, Bronny believes they can develop immediate chemistry. After all, he possesses intimate knowledge of LeBron’s playing style.
“I don’t want to give all the answers to the test, but I’ve been watching him for a long time, and I’ve kind of picked up on his tendencies,” Bronny said with a grin. “I think it’s good that I’m paying attention during his career and what he likes to do in the postseason. I think we’ll be able to play good together. My IQ isn’t going to be far behind him, but I know what he’s doing and where he likes to get the ball on the floor.”
