"That's crazy": USC's JuJu Watkins discusses LeBron James' "longevity" and partnership with son Bronny in the NBA
USC star JuJu Watkins had a fan moment on Flau'jae Johnson's Best of Both Worlds podcast. The moment occurred when Johnson inquired about her childhood idol who inspired her to push in her basketball career. Watkins mentioned LeBron James' story and his ability to bring his A-game after 21 years in the league.
With that, Johnson and JuJu Watkins couldn't help but engage in a back-and-forth about James' longevity and the rare situation of sharing the court with his son, Bronny James.
"Nah, for real, that longevity is crazy," Johnson said. "That's crazy like, 21 years," she added.
"He been in the league since he was 18 right?" Watkins said.
"That's insane to me, he's like 40. How old is LeBron? That's ridiculous. His son is in the league, that's crazy" Johnson replied.
"Yo, that's crazy. To play with your son, that's crazy," Watkins added. (21:36)
LeBron James is the most dominating player the NBA has ever seen throughout a multi-decade stretch. He averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists in his rookie season. Since then, he has never posted less than 25.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 6.0 apg in a season.
Legends like Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Vince Carter, Kevin Garnett, and Dirk Nowitzki have touched a 20-year mark in the NBA. However, only Bryant's 17.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 2.8 apg come close to LeBron James' numbers.
Moreover, in the 2024-25 NBA season, LeBron James will see his longtime desire of playing alongside Bronny James come to reality. It will be the NBA's first father-son duo donning same jerseys.
JuJu Watkins and Flau'jae Johnson name their craziest fan moment
Flau'jae Johnson and Watkins further discussed heartwarming courtside gestures by young fans when the LSU guard asked Watkins about her craziest fan experience.
JuJu Watkins took no time in recalling the instance when an older fan asked for a picture with her and had Watkins’ photo as his wallpaper.
Moreover, Johnson resorted to the time when a fan penned her multiple letters, asking to meet him after the practice. Even though Johnson ignored the letters, the situation escalated when the fan suddenly appeared in the parking lot, inquiring Johnson about the letters.
JuJu Watkins, despite the hilarity of the situation, took the picture with the fan. However, Flau'jae Johnson claims that it was the first time she had refused a fan for a selfie.