The 2024-25 NBA season is officially here, and all eyes are on the Los Angeles Lakers as they gear up for opening night. But what’s truly grabbing attention isn’t just on the Lakers taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves—it’s the potential for something historic. LeBron James, now in his 22nd season, will share the court with his son, Bronny James, marking the first time in NBA history that a father and son have played for the the same team during the same game.
While the idea of LeBron and Bronny teaming up is a heartwarming narrative, there’s a significant conversation to be had about whether Bronny is truly ready for this moment. Fresh off a cardiac arrest scare last year and a less-than-impressive preseason, some wonder if he would be better suited for more development, either in the G-League or by continuing his college career. Yet here he is, on the Lakers’ roster for opening night, and many believe that has more to do with LeBron than Bronny.
It’s hard to ignore the feel-good aspect of this father-son duo potentially playing together. The sentimental value is off the charts—LeBron has been vocal about how special it would be to share the court with his son. But while this moment would certainly be a milestone for LeBron, it’s less clear if Bronny is being given this opportunity because he’s truly earned it.
In the preseason, Bronny had a rocky start. He struggled to find his rhythm and contributed modestly at best in most games. In fact, in his first preseason game on October 6 against the Phoenix Suns, he seemed out of sync, which could easily be chalked up to the massive pressure of playing alongside his legendary father. But that doesn’t change the fact that Bronny didn’t make the kind of impact one would expect from an NBA rookie, especially one skipping the traditional developmental paths. His stat line from that game—just 17 points on 7-for-17 shooting, with 4 rebounds and 3 steals against the Golden State Warriors—did little to silence critics who argue that he may not be ready for the pros just yet.
Some will point to his potential and work ethic, but others might say that Bronny’s presence on the Lakers roster this season is premature. After suffering a cardiac arrest in July 2023 during a summer workout, Bronny faced serious health challenges. While his recovery has been inspiring, there are still many unknowns. Playing at the NBA level, with the speed, intensity, and physical toll it demands, is a massive leap—especially after such a life-threatening experience. A year ago, Bronny’s health scare was a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be. To bounce back and return to the court is remarkable, but does it justify skipping the crucial steps of development that most young players require?
Bronny’s journey, from USC freshman to NBA rookie, was undoubtedly accelerated due to his family name. And while it’s not uncommon for the children of famous athletes to have a leg up in their careers, it’s important to question whether this move serves Bronny’s best interests as a player—or if it’s primarily about creating an iconic sports moment for LeBron.
LeBron himself has often spoken about how important it is for him to play with his son. It’s no secret that he’s dreamed of this moment for years, and it seems that now the stage is set for that dream to become a reality. But at what cost? LeBron, at 39, is still a dominant force in the league, but he’s nearing the twilight of his career. It’s understandable that he wants to share this experience with his son. But does that mean Bronny is ready for the NBA grind, or is he being thrust into the spotlight because of his father’s legacy?
The timing of Bronny’s debut also seems suspect. NBA opening night is one of the most-watched events of the season, a prime opportunity for marketing, storytelling, and—if we’re being honest—LeBron’s legacy. Having Bronny on the roster adds a layer of drama and excitement, but the fact remains that his skills may not be fully NBA-ready.
From a basketball development standpoint, it could be argued that Bronny would benefit from more time to hone his skills in a lower-pressure environment. The G-League has become a crucial stepping stone for many players looking to bridge the gap between college ball and the NBA, providing the opportunity to adjust to professional life without the intense scrutiny and expectations that come with being on a major-market team like the Lakers. Likewise, staying in college for another year would have allowed him to build his game further before jumping to the pros.
Yet, here we are. Bronny is in a Lakers uniform, and many believe that’s more about LeBron’s desire to make history than about Bronny’s readiness. And while that may sound harsh, it’s a valid concern. After all, being a professional athlete is about more than just making it onto a roster. It’s about earning your place and contributing at a high level. If Bronny’s preseason performances are any indication, he still has a way to go before he’s ready to be a regular contributor on an NBA team.
LeBron has done everything he can to support his son’s journey, and no one can question his dedication as a father. But there’s a fine line between support and pushing someone into something they may not be ready for. It’s possible that the pressure of living up to his father’s name is weighing heavily on Bronny, and that could explain some of his preseason struggles. But whether or not that’s the case, the fact remains that Bronny has yet to prove that he belongs on an NBA court alongside some of the best players in the world.
As we head into opening night, it’s worth considering how much of Bronny’s presence on this Lakers team is about basketball, and how much is about creating a moment. The NBA is a business, after all, and storylines like this drive viewership and interest. A father-son duo playing together is a great story, one that will be talked about for years. But in the midst of all the hype, it’s important not to lose sight of Bronny’s development as a player.
If we step back and look at the bigger picture, it’s clear that Bronny has immense potential. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, and his work ethic is undeniable. But potential isn’t enough to thrive in the NBA. The league is filled with players who have the talent to succeed, but it takes more than that to make a lasting impact. It takes time, patience, and the right environment for growth. By skipping key developmental steps, Bronny may be missing out on the foundation he needs to truly excel in the long run.
As the Lakers take the court on opening night, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on LeBron and Bronny. Whether or not they share the floor together, the narrative will be all about the possibility of history being made. But as we watch this unfold, it’s important to remember that while this moment may be monumental for LeBron, it could be just as significant for Bronny in a different way—either as the beginning of a long and successful career, or as a reminder that sometimes, patience is key.
Here’s the thing folks… Time will tell if Bronny can live up to the massive expectations placed upon him. For now, he’s on the roster, and that in itself is an achievement. But the question remains: is Bronny truly ready for this moment, or is he being thrust into the spotlight for reasons that have more to do with his father than his own readiness? As the season unfolds, we’ll get a clearer picture. But for tonight, opening night, it seems more about LeBron’s legacy than Bronny’s.
With that… we are only a few hours away from opening tip-off in Los Angeles.
If you cannot play with the, then root for them!