For Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, the 2024-2025 season was significant. He had the chance to witness the rookie season of his son and teammate, Bronny James.
“To be able to play the game that I love and to be able to be along my son this whole year has been one of the most gratifying, satisfying journeys I’ve ever been on,” James said. “Just to see his growth from the moment he was drafted … to seeing him in Summer League.”
For the fifth time in his stint with the Lakers, James led the team to the postseason. As a two-way player, Bronny contributed to the Lakers and made waves on the South Bay Lakers.
James noted how he carries his enthusiasm for the game with him each day.
Related Stories
Student Athlete of the Week: Jahmir Torres
Marguet Miller Named Athletic Director of Southwest College
“I walk into the practice facility and walk into [Crypto.com] arena, high energy all the time,” James said. “I just try to spill that to my teammates, try to spill that belief into my teammates, play as hard as I can, do whatever I can out on the floor, while I have the opportunity to do it.”
James scored 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game this season. Bronny played 11 games with the South Bay Lakers, scoring 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.
Both James and Bronny competed together for the first time during the preseason when the Lakers lost 114-118 to the Phoenix Suns. The father-son duo also shared the hardwood when the Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-103.
In a February game against the Golden State Warriors, James hit a season-high of 42 points and 17 rebounds. The Lakers ultimately defeated the Warriors 120-112.
As an NBA player, Bronny garnered cheers from the crowd when he subbed into games. On occasions, Lakers fans would exhort him into gameplay with their chants.
In their October 30 game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bronny scored his first NBA basket. With the South Bay Lakers on March 24, Bronny scored a career-high of 39 points as well as seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals against the Santa Cruz Warriors. South Bay defeated Santa Cruz 122-118.
With the Lakers on March 20, Bronny scored a season-high of 17 points in a 118-89 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. His draftmate Dalton Knecht also scored 17 points in the effort.
“I know that he has a bright future because not only can he play the game of basketball, he’s just a great kid,” James said. “You can ask anybody, any one of his teammates, any one of the coaches, he’s just a joy to be around … I have a lot to do with that.”
