LeBron James discussed the dynamics of his relationship with his son and teammate, Bronny James, after the duo helped the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Bronny has made big strides for the Lakers this year, and he linked up with LeBron for the first father-son assist in the NBA postseason during the first-round series against the Rockets.
LeBron James Opens Up About Relationship With Bronny James Amid Lakers’ Playoff Run
On the latest episode of “Mind the Game,” James praised his son for staying ready and stepping up with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves sidelined due to injuries.
However, when Steve Nash asked LeBron whether Bronny actually listens to him, the Lakers legend had a blunt answer.
“No,” LeBron said with a laugh. “Does any kid? I mean, he’s 21 years old. Does any kid listen to their parent at that point?”
The 41-year-old then explained that he doesn’t try to coach up Bronny too much. Instead, he leads by example and is there for his son whenever he needs guidance.
“No, he’s a great kid,” LeBron said. “I don’t give him too much. I try to lead by example when my voice is needed. I feel like he’ll reach out if he wants it. Other than that, I just hope that I’m doing my part by leading by example. And he can take what he wants.”
With Dončić and Reaves sidelined due to injury, Bronny played important minutes against the Rockets in Games 3 and 4. He contributed 5 points in 9 minutes on 2-of-2 shooting in Game 3, helping the Lakers take a crucial 3-0 lead in the series. Bronny followed that up with 5 points in 14 minutes in Game 4.
Meanwhile, LeBron averaged 23.2 points, 8.3 assists, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 3s per game for the series.
Playing with his son in the NBA was one of LeBron’s biggest goals in the latter stages of his career. Getting to do that with Bronny is certainly a dream come true for the four-time NBA champion, and he is reveling in every moment he gets to spend on the court with his son.
“He’s made so many strides in his second year, and it resulted in him taking the moment. Without AR, without Luka, he was next man up,” LeBron said of Bronny. “He was one of the guys who had to step up, and to share that moment in Game 3, I believe we scored 10 straight points between the two of us. We had that mini run between the two of us, and that was something I’ll never ever forget.”
After advancing to the second round, the Lakers now have their sights set on making the Western Conference Finals. Standing in their way is the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder. But with LeBron continuing to perform at a high level, Reaves back in the lineup, and Dončić trying to return mid-series, the Lakers are dreaming of pulling off the upset.
Game 1 between the Lakers and Thunder will tip off tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET.
