Bronny James cracks up reporters with hilarious remark about playing with LeBron James
LA Lakers rookie guard Bronny James and his father, Lakers superstar forward LeBron James, made history by playing together on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns. Afterward, Bronny entertained reporters with a humorous remark about his unprecedented experience.
Sunday marked Bronny's second preseason outing after he debuted during Friday's 124-107 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, it designated his first game playing with his father, who sat out LA's preseason opener.
While Bronny has shown flashes of defensive potential and athleticism, his offense has eluded him. Upon checking in during the second quarter against Phoenix, he struggled mightily. Bronny went scoreless, recording two rebounds, four turnovers and three fouls in 13 minutes, attempting only one field goal.
In contrast, LeBron maintained last season's All-NBA-level play, tallying a game-high 19 points, five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two 3-pointers, shooting 66.7% in only 16 minutes.
After the Lakers' 118-114 loss, Bronny was asked whether he viewed LeBron's standout performance from the perspective of watching his teammate or his dad. The 20-year-old prospect quipped that it's difficult not to perceive the four-time MVP as his father.
"I'm always thinking about, you know, 'That's my dad' because that's literally my dad," Bronny said, eliciting laughter from reporters.
However, the rookie added that he takes a different approach during the minutes he's on the floor with his father.
"When I'm playing, he's just my teammate. That's all I'm thinking at that point," Bronny said.
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Bronny and LeBron's next chance to play together comes Thursday when LA visits the Milwaukee Bucks for the third contest of its six-game preseason schedule.
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Bronny James satisfied with preseason experience against Suns despite his lack of offensive production
While Bronny James struggled to make an offensive impact against the Suns, he still appeared grateful for the extra NBA experience.
When a reporter asked Bronny to access his second preseason performance, he highlighted the value of getting late-game reps with the Lakers' reserves.
"I felt like it was good for me to end the game, me having an opportunity from JJ [Redick] to end the game," Bronny said. "Just getting those reps in and everything, and trying to find my role. That's my main focus."
Through two preseason appearances, Bronny has scored two points, shooting 1-for-7 (14.3%). However, he was viewed as a developmental project upon being drafted, with defense considered his strong suit.
So, Bronny's offense will likely be a work in progress throughout the 2024-25 campaign as he attempts to work his way into LA's regular rotation.
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