LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers selected his son, Bronny James, with their second-round pick in this year’s draft. However, according to LeBron, their familial bond is not to be referenced during games.
LeBron stated that Bronny is not permitted to call him “dad” while they are on the job for the Lakers.
“We established that clearly. In the workplace, he cannot refer to me as dad,” James mentioned during his appearance on “The Shop” on Tuesday. “Once we exit the practice facility and the gates close, I can be dad again in the car if we’re driving together.”
The terms Bronny can use to address his father include “two-three,” “Bron,” or “GOAT.”
“We can’t be sprinting down the court with him shouting ‘Dad, push the ball up!’ or ‘Dad, I’m open, dad!’ No, that won’t do,” James explained.
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Bronny James Jr. of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a 2024 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas and Mack Center July 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Candice Ward/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny with the 55th overall pick in June generated considerable controversy during this year’s NBA Draft.
Bronny’s selection followed just one college season at USC, where he started only six games. As a bench player, he recorded averages of 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 turnovers per game, which are well below the standard numbers expected from typical NBA prospects, including second-round selections.
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom remarked that the only reason the 19-year-old was selected was due to his father’s influence.
NBA TRAINER OFFERS POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON BRONNY JAMES’ NBA CAREER
Bronny James Jr. of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a 2024 California Classic summer league game against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center July 6, 2024, in San Francisco. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
“He may be a decent person, but he isn’t talented enough to play in the NBA. The reason he was drafted is because of LeBron. The reason JJ Redick became coach is also due to LeBron,” he stated on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me” in July.
Bronny acknowledged the criticism he faces, asserting that his statistics and college performance do not fully represent his abilities as a player.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shakes hands with son Bronny James during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Nov. 19, 2023. (Kiyoshi Mio/USA Today Sports)
“The pressure has definitely increased. I’ve seen it in social media and online discussing how I might not deserve a chance. But I’ve been grappling with challenges like this my whole life. It’s certainly more pronounced now, but I can handle it,” he told reporters in early July.
“I believe I’ve been granted an opportunity to showcase my true potential because I wasn’t given much of a chance at USC.”
The young athlete’s college journey began tumultuously when he suffered cardiac arrest while working out on campus just after competing in the McDonald’s All-American Game in July 2023. He was later diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, which postponed his debut at USC.
Regardless of how these events may have influenced his brief college career, Bronny is now part of the Lakers. LeBron aims to maintain a professional relationship in the workplace despite his son’s burgeoning career.
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LeBron James Sets Professional Boundaries, Prohibits Son Bronny from Calling Him ’Dad’ on the Court
LeBron James, the iconic NBA superstar, has made headlines once again, this time for setting a professional boundary with his son, Bronny James. The decision to prohibit Bronny from calling him ‘Dad’ during games has sparked conversations about family dynamics in sports, the importance of professionalism, and the balance between personal and public life. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind this decision, its implications, and what it means for their relationship on the court.
The Context of LeBron’s Decision
LeBron James has always been vocal about the importance of maintaining professionalism, both on and off the court. As a role model for aspiring athletes, he believes that setting boundaries is crucial for fostering a competitive spirit and encouraging mutual respect among teammates. Here are some key factors that influenced his decision:
- Professionalism: LeBron emphasizes the need for a professional atmosphere during games.
- Team Dynamics: He wants to ensure that Bronny is treated like any other player, fostering a sense of equality.
- Focus: Maintaining focus during critical moments of the game is essential, and personal references can be distracting.
Implications for Their Relationship
While the ban on using ‘Dad’ during games may seem strict, it reflects a larger philosophy about respect and professionalism in sports. Here’s how it may impact their relationship:
1. Establishing Respect
By setting this boundary, LeBron is teaching Bronny the importance of respect within a team. This can help him develop a professional mindset early in his career.
2. Encouraging Independence
Not relying on familial ties during games encourages Bronny to forge his own identity as an athlete, separate from his father’s legacy.
3. Strengthening Communication
This boundary can lead to better communication off the court, allowing for more open and honest discussions about performance and expectations.
Benefits of Professional Boundaries in Sports
Setting professional boundaries is not just about maintaining decorum; it brings several benefits, both for the individual and the team:
1. Enhances Team Cohesion
When players are treated equally, it fosters a sense of unity. This can lead to better teamwork and collaboration on and off the court.
2. Builds Character
Learning to separate personal relationships from professional responsibilities builds character and resilience, crucial traits for any athlete.
3. Promotes Focus and Performance
Professional boundaries help players maintain focus during games, leading to improved performance and strategic execution.
Case Studies: Other Athletes Who Set Boundaries
LeBron is not alone in his approach to setting boundaries. Here are some notable athletes who have implemented similar strategies:
| Athlete | Boundary Set | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Jordan | Refused to play on the same team with his father | Enhanced personal drive and focus |
| Tom Brady | Maintains strict workout regimen without family distractions | Consistent peak performance |
| Serena Williams | Sets clear limits on family involvement during tournaments | Improved concentration and results |
Firsthand Experience: Bronny’s Perspective
While Bronny has yet to publicly comment on this boundary, it’s possible to speculate on how he may view this setup:
1. Learning from Experience
Bronny is likely to appreciate the lessons of professionalism and respect as he navigates his own basketball journey.
2. Balancing Family and Career
This boundary could enable him to balance his family life and aspirations as an individual athlete.
3. Motivational Challenge
Having his father as a mentor while maintaining distance in competitive settings could serve as a motivational push for Bronny to excel.
Practical Tips for Setting Boundaries in Sports
If you’re an athlete or a coach looking to set professional boundaries effectively, consider the following tips:
- Communicate Clearly: Ensure that all parties understand the boundaries and the reasons behind them.
- Lead by Example: Demonstrate the behavior you wish to see from others.
- Be Consistent: Apply the boundaries uniformly to avoid any confusion or favoritism.
- Encourage Feedback: Create an environment where players feel comfortable discussing boundaries and their impacts.
Conclusion
LeBron James’s decision to prohibit Bronny from calling him ‘Dad’ on the court is a powerful statement about the importance of professionalism in sports. By establishing clear boundaries, he not only enhances the competitive environment but also teaches valuable lessons about respect, focus, and independence. As Bronny continues to develop as an athlete, this experience will undoubtedly shape his approach to the game and contribute to his growth both on and off the court.
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