The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of making history, and not the kind you might expect. LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, are preparing to become the NBA’s first-ever father-son duo. But it’s not all hugs and high-fives—LeBron’s intense pre-season training has ignited flames of competition that go beyond family ties. With clear “Rules for Bronny” established by LeBron, the stakes are higher than ever. The team’s General Manager, Rob Pelinka, recently shared a glimpse of this father-son rivalry during Lakers’ scrimmages, and to say it’s fiery would be an understatement.
“Don’t Call Me Dad!” LeBron Lays Down Strict Rules for Bronny in NBA Locker Room
Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson, never one to shy away from stirring the pot, joined Shannon Sharpe on Nightcap to discuss the growing tension between the James family duo. Ochocinco reveled in the trash talk, claiming that once the ball is tipped, “You’re not my son anymore.” And true to that statement, LeBron isn’t holding back. According to Pelinka, LeBron drove baseline, leaving Bronny in the dust with a slick move off the glass. But it wasn’t the dunk that caught everyone’s attention—it was the heated words LeBron tossed his son’s way afterward.
Ochocinco fueled the controversy further, saying, “Bronny’s finna get worked every single time. LeBron doesn’t mess around. Once you’re on that hardwood, son or not, it’s game time, and Bron’s bringing buckets.”
Despite the playful banter, this dynamic brings something serious to the court: a rare intersection between personal and professional life that LeBron is eager to navigate carefully. The Akron Hammer is adamant about keeping things professional, especially within the Lakers’ locker room. After his triumphant run at the 2024 Olympics, LeBron addressed the issue head-on during a live session of The Shop, laying down the law that Bronny isn’t allowed to call him “Dad” when they’re at work. Instead, LeBron laid out a few options for Bronny to choose from— “2-3,” “Bron,” or even “GOAT” if he dares.
As for Bronny, he’ll need to adjust quickly because come October 5th, the Lakers are taking on the revamped Minnesota Timberwolves, and Bronny will finally share the hardwood with his legendary father in a game that the whole basketball world is watching. Will LeBron go easy on his son? Highly unlikely. Will Bronny fight back with fire? Only time will tell.
This father-son matchup promises to be a battle for the ages, and while blood may be thicker than water, in the world of basketball, it seems competition runs thicker still.
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