Lakers’ LeBron James Shuts Down Bronny Question: ‘Ask Him, He’s a Grown Man’

Andrew PetersOctober 14, 2024

Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

LeBron James made it clear on Monday that he won’t answer every question on behalf of his son this season.

While talking to the media during practice, the Los Angeles Lakers star chose not to answer a question about Bronny James and instead said Bronny could speak for himself.

“You got to ask him,” James said. “He’s a grown man, ask him how he’s handling it and we’ll go from there. He’s a grown man, he’s a professional, he can handle it.”

Dave McMenamin @mctenLeBron James chose to direct a Bronny James question today to his son, rather than speak on Bronny’s experiences. “He’s a grown man, ask him how he’s handling it,” James said pic.twitter.com/DNijb8wFtY

James and his son are making history this season by becoming the first father and son to play both in the NBA and on the same team. It’s a testament to James’ longevity, but it creates a unique set of circumstances.

One of which is answering to the media. It’s common for players to answer questions about their teammates, but a bit uncommon for players to answer questions for their teammates. While James will likely occasionally answer a question for Bronny, it seems like he’ll allow the rookie to take most questions by himself.

James and Bronny shared the court for the first time earlier in October in a preseason matchup with the Phoenix Suns.

NBA @NBALeBron James. Bronny James.

The father-son duo share the court for the first time together! 👏 pic.twitter.com/93hC7k64gK

Bronny hasn’t had great preseason numbers, averaging just 0.7 points, one rebound and 0.3 assists while logging 11.9 minutes per game in three contests. As was expected for the second-round pick, he’ll likely spend some time in the G League developing before getting regular minutes in the NBA.

Former ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski reported in July that Bronny will likely start the season alongside James on the Lakers before transitioning to the South Bay Lakers of the G League.

Bronny showed flashes of potential as a talented three-and-D player throughout college and in Summer League, but it’s clear he still needs some time to get better, and playing in the G League would allow him the opportunity to do so.