CLEVELAND, Ohio Bronny James, a guard for the Lakers, dribbles baseline and pulls back toward the corner. He stands around twenty feet in front of his father and looks at a fourteen-foot jumper. Even if it turns out to be a basketball footnote, the next section is family lore.
James made his first basket with 2:03 remaining in the Cavaliers’ 134-110 victory over Los Angeles on Wednesday, but it’s unclear how the rest of us will remember it. To be honest, it didn’t feel all that “historic” when the Lakers faced Minnesota in their season opener and played the league’s first father-son tandem for 2:41 (and never again). Additionally, scouts and league executives who are skeptical about Bronny’s ability to stay in the league were quoted in a recent ESPN report.
However, those unnamed sources aren’t really getting the message. Is every nepotism narc griping about Bronny’s guaranteed contract, roster place, or draft position? And the same goes for everybody else, including myself, who was skeptical of how a parent might help their child fulfill a dream.
There is only one valid perspective on the matter as long as Bronny himself followed this course, which he has said repeatedly: How awesome is that for their family, man?
LeBron James declared on Wednesday that it was the best thing in the world. “When children are really young, they always have these dreams. And as parents, you want to place them in a situation where, if that’s what they want to do, maybe that dream will come true at some time in their lives.
James sounds like you holding that microphone when you take away the recognition, cash, and MVP honors. You will always adore your kids, even though you will never be able to read the court or outsmart a defense like James (still can). Their goals will always come first for you. And let’s face it, you would if you could assist them in reaching their highest ambition.
You don’t understand? You have no children. According to Lakers shooter Austin Reaves, who is unfortunately 26 years old and childless, “Everyone (says) you don’t know what love is until you have your first child.” Since I am also a childless adult, I will have to believe his (secondhand) account.
This month, however, the elder James discovered that love 20 years ago. Just prior to James’ second NBA season, Bronny was born. “Pretty much since I picked up a ball,” Bronny told reporters, he dreamed of shooting the jump shot he made Wednesday night.
The route from “A” to “B” has been examined from every perspective. Critics questioned if Bronny’s last name had anything to do with his rating, even though he went on to become a five-star high school athlete at Sierra Canyon. Last season, he received a scholarship (plus NIL money) to play for USC, but he missed eight games due to a heart collapse that occurred during summer practices. After his health crisis, James found it difficult to shoot well (26.7% from 3-point range) and score (4.8 points per game), but neither of those facts prevented him from declaring for the draft.
We all had our own ideas after it was reported that James’ agent, Rich Paul, contacted NBA teams to try to get him to sign with the Lakers at the 55th overall pick.
For the record, I continue to think that LeBron had an impact on the Lakers’ choice to select Bronny. I’m still unsure if Bronny’s development was best served by dropping out of school. Furthermore, without his father’s clout in Los Angeles, I’m not sure how much draft interest Bronny would have attracted last summer.
Again, though, I wouldn’t blame the Lakers for accommodating their highest-paid player if Bronny went in this direction. I wouldn’t hold it against a child who seizes the opportunity to play professional ball. And I don’t think it’s wrong for a father to assist his son in doing it.
How history will recall Bronny James’ first bucket is unknown. To be honest, league officials are unsure of his NBA longevity. Indeed, following Los Angeles’ current road trip, Bronny will play with the Lakers’ G-League squad, the franchise confirmed last week.
On Wednesday night, however, a parent made their child’s dream come true. LeBron’s first professional point was scored in the same building as Bronny’s. The younger James was greeted like a star by Cleveland fans during the fourth quarter, who chanted “WE WANT BRONNY” at Lakers coach J.J. Redick, buzzed every time Bronny touched the ball, and eventually popped him for his first points.
“I was really moved by the chants,” Bronny remarked. Even though I was straight-faced, I sensed it. And coming from here felt very lovely.
He will always remember it. His father won’t either. No matter what happens with Bronny’s career, they will all talk about this 14-foot jumper throughout the course of the next 25 Thanksgivings.
It doesn’t matter if the rest of us will or not.
LeBron shared that his younger son immediately expressed a love for basketball and a desire to pursue it. He added, “As a parent, it’s been about supporting them, guiding them, providing the tools, and giving them whatever they need to potentially turn their dream into reality.” With help from his wife Savannah, friends, and family, he’s thrilled to watch his son live out his passion and achieve his dreams.
