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

Mar. 15, 2025

LeBron and Bronny James.Photo:Frazer Harrison/Getty

Frazer Harrison/Getty

LeBron Jameshas an important rule for his son this NBA season.

When the 39-year-old basketball star and his sonBronny Jamestake 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 ateaserfor 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 withCraig Melvinthat aired Monday, July 8 onToday, 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 accomplishmentthat 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 of the Lakers.Ronald Martinez/Getty

Ronald Martinez/Getty

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

source: people.com