EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- LeBron James compared Lakers media day on Monday to the first day of school.
Normally, he’d be the proud parent dropping his kids off, but this year, he’s joined by his eldest son, Bronny James Jr. in the NBA classroom. The father-son duo posed together in the Lakers’ new gold uniforms, featuring the No. 44 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar patch on the right shoulder.
LeBron x Bronny at #Lakers media day. #Lakeshow pic.twitter.com/3JXN016Zuk
— Lauren Jones (@LoJoMedia) September 30, 2024
LeBron expressed excitement about the moment. Bronny shared that he’s most looking forward to going head-to-head with his dad in practice. This marks the first father-son duo in NBA history to play on the same team.
Bronny James says he’s most looking forward to competing against his dad in practice: “But on the other side of that, having to go against LeBron James is kind of a lot in practice every day.” #Lakeshow pic.twitter.com/hdVFKK2Mhl
— Lauren Jones (@LoJoMedia) October 1, 2024
During his time at the podium, LeBron answered questions about playing alongside Bronny, who turns 20 years old this month.
"It’s pure joy, to be honest, to come to work every day and put in the hard work with your son," LeBron said. "We push each other.
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He pushes me, I push him. It’s a very joyous moment, not only for me but for our family."
LeBron James on how he’s been reinvigorated this offseason: “It gives you a lot life, especially when you’re around young guys. I had a lot of fun this summer being was a lot of fun hanging around Ant Man (@theantedwards_) and @TyHaliburton22.”#Lakeshow @SportingTrib pic.twitter.com/JQQfYNNxdB
— Lauren Jones (@LoJoMedia) October 1, 2024
LeBron even interrupted Bronny’s interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Bronny laughed about how odd it feels to have his dad snapping photos of him during interviews.
When asked about commuting to practices or games together, Bronny made it clear that’s not happening: “Definitely not. It's already so much that we've been grouped together, and I'd like to stay as far away as possible from that guy."
Bronny on commuting with LeBron to practice/games: “Definitely not…I want to stay as far away from that guy as possible.”😂😂😂 #Lakeshow @SportingTrib pic.twitter.com/LSGFF4Azsf
— Lauren Jones (@LoJoMedia) September 30, 2024
LeBron enters his 22nd NBA season with infectious energy, grinning throughout Media Day. Fresh off being honored as the flag bearer for Team USA and winning his third Olympic gold medal, James emphasized that his passion for the game remains strong.
“I do have a lot in the tank … a lot,” he said.
Teammate Anthony Davis marveled at the historic father-son moment.
“It’s awesome,” Davis said. “It’s historic. It’s powerful.
"Bronny’s locker is across from mine and it’s still surreal that he’s on the same team as his dad.”
The Lakers open the preseason against the Timberwolves on Friday in Palm Desert.