LeBron James Says He Doesn’t Want Son and Lakers Teammate Bronny to Call Him ‘Dad’ on the Court

The Lakers star shared some alternative nicknames his son can call him when they share the court this NBA season

bronny lebron james hollywood 06 12 24
LeBron and Bronny James. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty

LeBron James has an important rule for his son this NBA season.

When the 39-year-old basketball star and his son Bronny James take the court together for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, they’ll become the first father and son duo to do so in the league’s history.

Still, LeBron said the 19-year-old rookie can’t call him “dad” on the court. “[Bronny] cannot call me dad in the workplace,” LeBron said in a teaser for a new episode of Uninterrupted’s “The Shop” podcast.

The Lakers star added, “Once we leave out the private facility and the gates close, I could be dad again, in the car if we ride together, at home I could be dad.”

“We cannot be running down the court, and he’d be like, ‘Dad, push the ball up! Dad, I’m open! Dad, come on!'” LeBron said in the clip.

Instead, LeBron suggested that his son call him ‘2-3’ or ‘Bron’ when he and Bronny share the court — “Or, you know, GOAT, if he wants to, it’s up to him,” LeBron added.

The upcoming NBA season, starting on Oct. 22, will be LeBron’s 21st in the league.

The father of three has long said he wants to share the court with his son before retiring from basketball. In an interview with Craig Melvin that aired Monday, July 8 on Today, LeBron said Bronny signing with the Lakers is “the greatest accomplishment that I’ve ever had.”

LeBron praised his son for having “done it all as an individual,” and added, “there’s no greater accomplishment that will be able to overtake me being on the same floor as my son.”

“It’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened,” LeBron concluded.

bronny james ell segundo 07 02 24
Bronny James of the Lakers. 

Bronny joins his father on the Lakers roster one year after the rookie suffered cardiac arrest in July 2023 during a practice at the University of Southern California. In his first and only season with the USC Trojans, Bronny missed the first eight games of the NCAA season and was diagnosed with “an anatomically and functionally significant congenital heart defect” by doctors.

In addition to Bronny, LeBron shares Zhuri Nova, 9, and Bryce Maximus, 17, with his wife Savannah James.

Related Posts

Bronny James Stats Tonight: How Did the Lakers Rookie Perform in His Matchup Against LeBron’s Former Team, the Cavaliers?

Bronny James played his second NBA game against his father, LeBron James ‘ former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, on Wednesday. The Lakers suffered a blowout 134-110 loss. They waived the white flag early in the fourth quarter, giving Bronny the chance …

Read more

LeBron James Melts Hearts Online with Adorable Father’s Day Moment with His Daughter

Appearing on air with her famous father LeBron James, little princess Zhuri once again stole the spotlight. Basketball star LeBron James makes netizens crazy with his super cute dancing clip with his family, 5-year-old angel takes the spotlight  …

Read more

LeBron James and his son Bronny become the first father-son team to play together in NBA history

Sunday was a momentous night for LeBron James and his son Bronny. The duo shared the court for the first time in the NBA during the Lakers’ preseason game against the Suns, becoming the first father-son pairing to play together in league history. …

Read more

Ja Morant Honors Sister Niya with Exclusive Nike ‘Ja 2s’ Tribute!

Memphis Grizzlies All-Star guard Ja Morant paid tribute to his younger sister Niya Morant in the latest iteration of his signature “Ja 2” Nike sneakers, which he showcased in their home game against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. The shoe, which features …

Read more

Bronny James was born where?

Just by playing a few minutes in the NBA, Bronny James already holds a record. Nothing related to his performance, but being the first father-son duo to play in the NBA. Now that they’ve had their big moment, we have more clarity on Bronny. Before …

Read more

Cavs Honor Lakers’ Father-Son Duo LeBron and Bronny James with Heartfelt Tribute Ahead of Their Homecoming Return!

LeBron James and Bronny James have a history with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The LA Lakers rookie was born when his father career’s was just starting and spent a big chunk of his childhood in Cleveland, and was present when the Cavaliers won their first-ever …

Read more