Being LeBron James’ son doesn’t exempt Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James from a little rookie hazing. In Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Bronny returned to the court for the first time since November 10 after being recalled from the Lakers’ G League affiliate.
Although he played just three minutes in the team’s 107-98 win, Bronny got a taste of the rookie experience courtesy of the Lakers’ two superstars, his father, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. After Davis, who led the game with 30 points, was subbed out, he headed to the bench and made it clear that Bronny’s seat next to LeBron was his for the taking.
With a smirk, Bronny slowly stood up to give up the seat as LeBron laughed and playfully teased his son. The moment highlighted the lighthearted dynamic between the rookie and the team’s veterans.
The funny moment was a grounding experience for Bronny, coming just a day after he delivered a career-high 16 points in the South Bay Lakers’ victory over the San Diego Clippers.
Although Bronny James played only three minutes against Portland, he made the most of it by recording the first block of his NBA career. Sunday also marked another “first” for the James family, as LeBron James missed his first game of the season due to left foot soreness. The home matchup against the struggling Blazers proved timely for both father and son—Bronny gained valuable experience with the senior team, while LeBron took the opportunity to rest ahead of a challenging slate of games.
The Lakers will embark on a road trip, playing three of their next four games away from home, starting with Minnesota on Friday. Meanwhile, Bronny will aim to maintain his strong form with South Bay and perhaps sharpen his instincts for when a veteran needs a seat on the bench.
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