James: Bronny Absolutely Deserves to Be in the NBA; Our Family Never Does Things Halfway

On March 26 Beijing time, James and his eldest son Bronny stood together on the court, helping the Lakers defeat the Pacers. James played 34 minutes and 28 seconds, scoring 23 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1 steal; Bronny played 13 minutes and 22 seconds, scoring 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block. After the game, James spoke to The Athletic about Bronny.

“Especially knowing the path he’s walked and the obstacles he’s faced,” James said, “I’m proud of him, really incredibly proud.He deserves to be in this league, absolutely deserves it.”

Of course, this journey took a turn on July 25, 2023. Bronny suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during summer training with the USC basketball team, and emergency medical intervention saved his life. Surgery corrected his congenital heart defect.

In a recent conversation about basketball, James said he saw a look in his eldest son’s eyes—one he hadn’t seen since that incident. He said this look meant his son was telling himself “I’m back to my old self”—regaining confidence in his skills, physique, and mindset simultaneously.

“He’s fully recovered, physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally,” James stated.

For the Lakers, Thursday’s game further solidified the team’s belief: Bronny is a genuine NBA player, the team’s investment in his development is sound, and their designation of him as the “primary case study” for player development brings positive signals for the team’s future planning.

Setting aside his modest NBA regular-season stats, when given substantial playing opportunities like today, the on-court visual performance was enough for Redick and the Lakers to believe they signed a true NBA player.

“This was real, meaningful playing time; there’s no better outcome than this, truly no better,” James said. “He stepped onto the court, I mean obviously he… Over this past year and a half, his progress has been evident. It also proves why he deserves to play in this league and what he can achieve here. So, the coaching staff trusted him tonight, gave him significant minutes, and let him execute some excellent plays—andbeing able to stand on the court alongside him, that feeling… there’s truly nothing better, really nothing.”

This 20-year-old is progressing as any rookie hopes: “I can see my own growth.” Those following the NBA G League shouldn’t be surprised by Bronny’s improvement. After a slow start in the league opener, his performance during his assignment was outstanding, with shooting percentages of 54.6%, 42.1%, and 90.9%, averaging 15.3 points per game.

This is an example of hard work paying off—Bronny, like his signature crossed-arms, leaping motion, inherits this trait.

“That’s who he is, that’s our family environment.People in our family never do things halfway,” James said. “We come from the Midwest, from Akron, Ohio, where nothing is handed to you.”