It’s been an offseason LeBron James will remember for the rest of his life.
The Los Angeles Lakers star, 39, has been soaking in the leadup to his record-tying 22nd NBA season, most notably because it’s the first season he’ll be on the court alongside his oldest son, Bronny James.
“There’s a lot of excitement,” LeBron told reporters at the Lakers’ media day on Monday, according to the Associated Press. “It’s pure joy, to be honest, to be able to come to work every day, put in the hard work with your son every day and be able to see him continue to grow. We push each other. He pushes me, I push him. We push our teammates. Just a very joyous moment, not only for myself, but for our family.”
Bronny, 19, was drafted by the Lakers in the second round of June’s NBA Draft after one shortened season playing at the University of Southern California.
Bronny James Jr. and LeBron James.
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty
While Bronny is only expected to make seldom appearances in his rookie season, according to NBA.com, the first time he steps on the court with his father will be historic as no father-son duo has ever played together in the NBA. It’s a feat rarely accomplished in other leagues, as well: There’s Gordie Howe and his sons Mark and Marty in the NHL, Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. in the MLB and more than a century ago there was Ted and Charles Nesser in the NFL.
LeBron told reporters Monday he’s only expecting to get “a couple of opportunities” to be on the floor at the same time as Bronny, but that he’s already looking forward to it.
“If we get a couple of opportunities on the floor throughout the course of the season, obviously that’s going to be amazing,” LeBron said. “It will be awesome. We’ll wait for that moment when it happens, and then go from there.”
Bronny James Jr. and LeBron James.
Frazer Harrison/Getty
On Monday, the father and son duo took team photos together and spoke with reporters about what it’s been like going to work with one another. When reporters asked whether Bronny is allowed to call LeBron “dad” at practice, the teenager teased that he’ll call LeBron “whatever” he wants. Meanwhile, LeBron laughed and spoke of how proud he’s been to see Bronny “continue to grow” and “get better and better” as a player.
LeBron’s longtime teammate Anthony Davis said it’s been “surreal” to walk into the locker room and see “James Jr.” on a jersey hanging in one of the stalls. “It’s awesome. It’s historic. It’s powerful,” Davis said, according to the AP. “I can’t wait until they step on the floor and officially make history, but it’s been super-dope to watch so far.”
And besides the impending marquee moment when the NBA’s first father and son step on the court together, LeBron says he’s feeling ready to compete this season after spending this offseason winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics and being named the Olympic tournament MVP.
“I feel damn good,” LeBron said, according to ESPN.
“I feel really good physically. Mentally, I feel really good. Really sharp. Very fresh. Looking forward to getting to work tomorrow,” the 21-year NBA veteran said. “I have not thought about what the future holds. Kind of just living in the moment. Especially with Bronny being here, too. I don’t want to take this moment for granted.”
