LeBron James doubles down on his desire to play alongside son Bronny, what it means

LeBron James has long said that he wants to play alongside his son Bronny James before retiring from the NBA.

After Bronny committed to USC on Saturday ahead of the Lakers’ playoff game against the Warriors, LeBron doubled down on his desire to play alongside Bronny.

Bronny is a senior in high school and will play for the Trojans in 2023-24. The combo guard is currently ranked as a five-star recruit and the No. 9 overall player in the country for the class of 2023, according to On3. The On3 Industry rankings have him as a four-star recruit and the No. 23 overall player in the nation.

Bronny James will be eligible to play in the NBA for the 2024-25 season.

“I was serious, and I’m still serious about it,” LeBron James said following the Lakers’ 127-97 win in Game 3. “Obviously I’ve gotta continue to keep my body and my mind fresh. I think my mind, most importantly. If my mind goes, then my body will just be like, ‘OK, what we doing?’”

While LeBron would like to play with his son Bronny, he acknowledged that he isn’t certain that the feeling is mutual.

“Just because that’s my aspiration and my goal, doesn’t mean it’s his. And I’m absolutely OK with that,” LeBron James said. “My job is to support my son, whatever he wants to do – support my youngest son, Bryce, support my daughter, Zhuri, in whatever they want to do. One thing about being a parent – it’s not always about what you want. It’s about listening to your kids and what they want. That’s when you get a real relationship with them.”

No matter what happens, LeBron James feels great about what he has accomplished in the NBA.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and has won four NBA titles, four NBA Finals MVP trophies and been named the league’s MVP four times.

James has helped the Lakers reach the Western Conference semifinals this season at the age of 38.

LeBron has two years remaining on his current contract, with a player option for Year 2. He could opt out ahead of the 2024-25 season and sign with the team Bronny is drafted to.

Either way, LeBron is excited to see how Bronny James’ career plays out.

“At the end of the day, if I am [playing with Bronny], if I’m not, I’ve done what I have to do in this league. Any my son is going to take his journey. And whatever his journey, however his journey plays out, he’s going to do what’s best for him,” LeBron James said. “And as his dad, his mom Savannah, his brother and sister, we’re going to support him whatever he decides to do.”