LeBron James has 2-word reaction to mentoring son Bronny James
LeBron James and his son Bronny James have already established a working relationship during preseason as Lakers teammates. Like any other rookie trying to make his mark with LeBron around as one of the veterans, Bronny was the beneficiary of the four-time MVP's mentorship.
It was much needed for the 20-year-old after a subpar showing during the Lakers' 2024 preseason. He averaged 4.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 1.2 turnovers, shooting 24.3%, including 8.3% from 3.
Bronny didn't impress until LA's final game, where he got his first start and 35 minutes of action, the most during the six-game stretch. LeBron reflected on his time with Bronny on Instagram, summing it up in two words.
"The Blueprint," LeBron wrote in his latest IG story featuring a pic of him and Bronny.
The picture was from the Lakers' 132-74 loss to the Warriors on Friday. Bronny had 17 points on 7 of 17 shooting, four rebounds and three steals, putting up his best preseason performance as his father, LeBron, and other rotation players rested.
Bronny James won't have LeBron James around as much moving forward as he did while he saw some floor time. The Lakers rookie is expected to spend most of his time in the G League with the South Bay Lakers and is unlikely to make LA's rotation.
He's shown flashes of his potential, but it doesn't seem enough to translate at the NBA level.
LeBron James coaches Bronny James on day off vs. Suns
LeBron James didn't play the final two games of the Lakers' preseason, including Thursday's matchup vs. the Suns. However, he made the trip to Phoenix. His son, Bronny James, was in action, though. He got to play important minutes in the fourth quarter of the close game next to Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell, while the Suns had Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in action.
LeBron wasn't involved much in the grand scheme of things, but he was in his son's ear throughout the night. LeBron coached Bronny before and after he stepped foot on the court.
Bronny James had a decent outing against Phoenix as LA recorded a 128-122 overtime comeback win behind Dalton Knecht's 20 straight points in the clutch. Bronny finished with four points on 2 of 4 shots in 17 minutes. He was a +17 for the Lakers, his best box +/- in a game.