LeBron James has long expressed his dream of sharing the NBA court with his son, Bronny. This season, that dream is becoming a reality, as Bronny steps into the professional basketball world. Whether or not this was exactly how Bronny envisioned his career unfolding, it’s happening, and LeBron has already laid down one important ground rule: no calling him “Dad” at work.
During a taping of “The Shop” in Paris during the Olympics, LeBron explained the new family dynamic on the court. When asked if Bronny would be allowed to call him “Dad” during games, LeBron was clear about the boundaries. “No, we already laid that out. He cannot call me ‘Dad’ in the workplace. Once we leave the private facility and the gates close, I can be ‘Dad’ again. In the car if we ride together, at home, I can be ‘Dad.’ But on the court? No, he’s got to call me something else—maybe ‘2-3,’ ‘Bron,’ or even ‘GOAT’ if he wants. It’s up to him.”
The adjustment to this new rule might lead to some humorous moments. It’s almost inevitable that Bronny will slip up at some point—perhaps during a heated scrimmage, he’ll instinctively call out “Dad” when he needs the ball. If that moment is caught on tape, it’s bound to become an instant classic.
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This season, Bronny will be splitting his time between the Los Angeles Lakers and their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. While most of his playing time is expected to be in the G-League, giving him a chance to develop and refine his skills, the fact that both teams share the same practice facility means that LeBron and Bronny will be spending plenty of time around each other.
This proximity will test Bronny’s ability to stick to the rule—especially in the heat of competition.
As Bronny works to carve out his own path in the NBA, the father-son dynamic will undoubtedly be one of the most fascinating storylines to follow.
And with LeBron’s guidance, both on and off the court, Bronny will have one of the best mentors imaginable as he navigates his rookie season.
