Bronny James Reveals Struggle Behind Historic Debut With LeBron James

“That moment of us being on the scores table together and checking in together. It’s something I would never forget, no matter how old I get, no matter how my memory may fade as I grow older, or whatever,” said LeBron James when describing his first game with his eldest son. It’s been over 11 months since LeBron and Bronny James made history by becoming the first-ever father-son duo to play in an NBA game together. While Bronny did go on to play in 26 more games for the Lakers during the 2024-25 season, the memory of that first one holds a special place in the league’s all-time scorer’s mind. Recently, Bronny shared his own thoughts on the same.

The 20-year-old Lakers star guested on the recent episode of internet personality and golf enthusiast Grant Horvat’s show. Having taken up golf just like his father, Bronny played some rounds with Horvat while answering the host’s questions when travelling in a golf cart between locations. During the same time, the young player was asked about his first NBA game, which he played alongside his father. Bronny explained, “It was nuts. It was crazy…. it was a crazy experience to be a part of. The nervousness, it was out of the room”.

When asked if he was shaking or something, Bronny replied, “Um, I wasn’t shaking, but I mean, I was ready to go out and play, but it’s different when your dad’s on the team. You got expectations. The Lakers, the franchise has expectations”. Fortunately, as Bronny added, “I’m a basketball head. So, it was fun to just be out there and step on an NBA court for the first time was crazy”.

Born on October 6, 2004, mere weeks before LeBron launched his sophomore NBA season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bronny James quickly emerged as a prodigy, his viral youth highlights for teams like the Miami City Ballers drawing national buzz by age 10. At Sierra Canyon High, he shone as a consensus four-star recruit, averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.8 steals as a senior in 2022-23, earning McDonald’s All-American honors (15 points, five 3s) and a Team USA spot at the Nike Hoop Summit.

Yet his USC freshman campaign hit a harrowing snag: a July 2023 cardiac arrest from a congenital heart defect sidelined him through recovery and surgery, capping his 25 games with modest lines of 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes. Resilience defined his next chapter, as the Lakers selected him 55th overall in the 2024 draft—the first father-son duo in league history.

LeBron James had often wished to play alongside his son before retiring from the NBA. Back in 2022, during an interview with ‘The Athletic’, he clearly stated that “My last year will be played with my son. Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point”. With the 4x NBA Champion having not announced his retirement yet, the father-son duo is expected to play for one more season together on the same team.

Bronny James highlighted things being different with his dad being on the same team. While the team and the fans carry expectations, so does LeBron. After all, judging from how he recently defined success, all he wants to see is Bronny grow.

LeBron James Believes His Children’s Success Is His Success: “the best you can be is being you”

LeBron James recently interviewed with HypeBeast to promote his upcoming Nike LeBron 23 ‘Forever King’ collection. During the same time, the Lakers star also touched base on his personal journey, including how his definition of success has shifted from championships and records to his kids’ happiness. HypeBeast reported that the core values instilled in the NBA legend, as a kid from Akron, have shaped him into a global icon. Despite that, he remains grounded “in the life lessons he hopes to pass on to his three children”.

“My definition of success is how my kids succeed in life. I think everybody’s walk to success or walk to fulfilment is different. I just hope that in the time that I’ve been able to do what I’ve been able to do is instilled in them to be kind, work hard, determined, how to handle adversity, and also just be you,” said LeBron. “People say that you should be this person, whatever. But ultimately, the best you can be is being you. And I hope they understand that that is most important in anything”.

Bronny is already looking to lay a foundation for a successful NBA career. Meanwhile, Bryce James, LeBron, and Savannah James’s 2nd son recently enrolled in the University of Arizona. He will be playing for the Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball team during the next NCAA tournament after making a mark at Sierra Canyon School and even winning a state basketball championship! Zhuri James, LeBron’s youngest child and only daughter, joined the City Volleyball Club back in 2023.

LeBron James’ kids are progressing and finding success on their own terms. For Bronny, overcoming his struggles would make LeBron James feel he has overcome his issues. In light of this, whether we see an increase in prowess from the 55th overall pick remains to be seen.