During the post-game press conference, when queried about his relationship with Brown, LeBron responded with a touch of humor. “Our relationship has been pretty respectful. Besides the stuff he said about Bronny in the Summer League. But other than that, we’ve been all right,” James commented, revealing a light-hearted approach to their interactions.

Although their relationship remains largely respectful, Lakers‘ star’s remarks underscored his sensitivity towards any mentions of his son in NBA circles. This echoes a prior incident involving Stephen A. Smith, which resulted in a notable exchange before an NBA game last season.

“We’ll be alright,” LeBron continued, addressing Brown‘s comments. “But you know, I think he made some comments on social media about it. It’s all good, and there are other things to focus on at other times.”

Brown’s reflections following victory over Lakers

Conversely, Brown chose to focus on the positive feedback he received from LeBron, particularly highlighting James’ acknowledgment of his playing style and potential to secure the MVP title this year.

“I feel like I’m the best two-way player in the world… It’s an honor for LeBron, who’s arguably the best player to ever play the game, to give me some high praise,” Brown remarked, reflecting on the shared respect despite competitive tensions.

While the verbal exchanges captured headlines, the outcome on the court was definitive. The Celtics’ commanding performance against the Lakers on Sunday night speaks volumes about the team’s potential, even as they anticipate the return of star player Jayson Tatum, who is expected back on March 1st.

James wasn’t under the illusion that his move back to the G League would be easy, but he didn’t treat it as a setback. After being assigned to the South Bay Lakers, the 21-year-old explained the conversation that shaped his mindset, a conversation that came directly from head coach JJ Redick. The message wasn’t about minutes or demotion — it was about evolution and development.

“Yeah, I mean, I’m trying to focus now on bettering myself off the ball,” James said. “Me and JJ have talked about how, like you said, all the ball handlers on the parent team and stuff like that. So I’ve got to learn to be effective off the ball and have a 0.5 mentality. So I’m trying to get better at that, but some on-ball guard is needed at the G. So just trying to produce as much as I can.”

It is clear that Bronny has a specific task: adapt, for now, to the stars on the roster — learning to play alongside LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves — and become the type of role player the team needs at one of its weakest points, which is the defensive end.

What the Lakers are looking for

That is exactly what Redick wants to see from Bronny. The Lakers don’t need another on-ball creator. They need someone who cuts, relocates, defends at a high level, and makes quick decisions. Bronny admitted that he hesitated in that role earlier this season, especially during his start against Milwaukee when he passed up an open look to reset the play. But he has already flashed signs of what he can become.

Bronny finished his first game back in the G League with 15 points, eight assists, and four rebounds while shooting 5-for-10 from the field. He looked much more decisive as a shooter and brought strong defensive activity. He recorded three steals and one block — the kind of disruptive energy Redick believes could be Bronny’s pathway back into the main rotation. His role isn’t designed to mirror Luka or Reaves in the NBA.

His success will depend on how quickly he masters that off-ball identity. But this time, with a clearer directive and a head coach fully committed to his growth, Bronny James has a real path forward.

Addressing the press, LeBron was both candid and lighthearted, praising his son’s talent while playfully acknowledging his evolving role on the Lakers this season. “I think he’s enjoying the process. You can definitely ask him more than me. He’s not living at home anymore, so our conversations have changed a bit; he has his own place now (laughs),“ LeBron quipped to the reporters.

Bronny has already logged minutes this season, featuring in 10 games with an average of 11 minutes per outing. During these appearances, he has tallied 2.1 points per game, coupled with 1.8 assists and 0.9 rebounds on average.

As Bronny enters his sophomore year in the NBA, he has an opportunity to continue developing with the Lakers alongside his father, rumored to be in his final season, as well as other standout talents like Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton.

LeBron’s thoughts on his debut

Entering his 23rd season in the NBA, LeBron reflected on the emotions and experiences surrounding what might be his last debut. “I was a bit nervous,” LeBron admitted. “As the game went on, I felt more at ease. Naturally, there were a few mistakes, having been away from the court for seven months.”

LeBron elaborated further: “Tonight unfolded as I expected. Facing a high-paced team like Utah was beneficial, it challenged us, particularly me. I was pleased with the experience.”

LeBron’s performance in season debut vs. Utah

To grasp LeBron’s impact on the Lakers’ win on Tuesday night, his individual statistics are quite telling. In 30 minutes of play, he scored 11 points, which is below his usual output, but he significantly contributed with 12 assists, only committing one turnover, and making two out of three attempts from beyond the arc.

As LeBron regains his confidence and rhythm in the NBA, he is expected to seamlessly integrate into head coach JJ Redick’s system, which already highlights Luka Doncic as a focal point, with Deandre Ayton providing support and Austin Reaves delivering impressive statistics thus far.

In his second season with the Lakers, Bronny James has made it his mission to prove his value, showcasing the strides he has made since his first year. The young guard logged extended minutes under head coach JJ Redick during the Lakers’ 123-115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. James finished the night with five points, six assists, and one steal in 19 minutes of play.

For James, the focus this season has been on becoming a dependable defender and a secondary playmaker, goals he emphasized after the game, per Spectrum Sports Network’s Khobi Price.

“I feel like it’s way better, especially on the defensive end,” James said. “Holding my own, pushing the pace offensively, in transition, and stuff like that. I felt like I did a great job in the summer getting in shape. JJ [Redick] has told me I’m playing as hard as I can right now, so I’m going to keep doing that.”

How the Lakers are trending

James’ five points and six assists against Portland marked season highs in both categories. The Lakers, playing without All-Stars LeBron James and Austin Reaves, have extended their winning streak to four games. Los Angeles defeated the San Antonio Spurs 118-116, improving to 7-2, the second-best record in the Western Conference behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who sit at 9-1.

James Worthy praises Bronny

Lakers legend James Worthy praised Bronny James’ performance, calling it the best game of the young guard’s NBA career in the 123-115 win over the Trail Blazers. Worthy, now a broadcaster for the Lakers, said he was particularly impressed with James’ energy and confidence on both ends of the floor.

“I thought this might have been Bronny’s best game of his NBA career,” Worthy said, per Lakers Daily. Coming off an 18-minute performance in the Lakers’ 130-120 win over the Miami Heat, James has averaged 3.5 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.0 steals in 18.5 minutes over the last two games, showing steady progress in limited action.

In his postgame press conference, Doncic highlighted the defensive energy and impact of Bronny James and veteran Marcus Smart. Speaking about Bronny, Luka said:

“He was great. In those kinds of moments, you never know if you’re gonna play or not. He was ready, and that means a lot to us, and he was ready to go at the right moment. So he played great today, he was great defensively. And we expect him to do that, and it was amazing.”

Bronny played a season-high 18 minutes, including a key stretch in the fourth quarter as head coach JJ Redick trusted the 21-year-old to help close the game. He finished with two points, two assists, and three steals, and his defensive intensity drew praise from fans and teammates alike.

Praise also goes to Marcus Smart

While Bronny’s rise was one of the night’s storylines, Doncic also reserved special praise for Marcus Smart, the Lakers’ defensive anchor. “It’s unbelievable impact. I play against this guy a lot. He was always guarding me, so I know how I feel for the other team. So I’m glad he’s on my team, and the impact he has, it’s unbelievable. He’s been hustling every game, every moment, every minute, every second, so props to him.”

Smart delivered another gritty all-around performance, finishing with 11 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and a block. His defensive instincts and vocal leadership continue to define the Lakers’ identity, especially in LeBron James’ ongoing absence.

Smart’s numbers

Through seven NBA games, Smart is averaging 9.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in 27 minutes per contest, proving that his value extends far beyond the box score.

For the Los Angeles Lakers, the start of the preseason wasn’t ideal. In their opening game on October 3, they suffered a 103-81 loss to the Phoenix Suns. Austin Reaves led the starters with 20 points, while newcomers Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia joined Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt in the starting lineup.

The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, are making their preseason debut after being eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in last year’s playoffs. They return with a deeper roster, improved chemistry, and renewed hunger for success, setting the stage for an intriguing clash in Chase Center.

Both teams will aim to make a statement. The Warriors look to start their NBA preseason campaign on the right note with energy and confidence, while the Lakers seek redemption after their opening loss and hope to build trust in their rotation depth.

Is Bronny James playing tonight vs Warriors?

All signs point to Bronny James getting minutes once again against the Warriors. He is not listed on the injury report but is expected to come off the bench rather than start. The focus will be on whether he can deliver a more efficient performance than his preseason debut against the Suns.

Bronny’s 1-for-12 shooting night wasn’t ideal, but he viewed it as another step in his growth process under head coach JJ Redick. Despite the struggles, the rookie guard continues to earn Redick’s trust and remains a focal point of the Lakers’ long-term development plan.

James was part of the Lakers’ first group of substitutes, logging nearly 23 minutes. He defended consistently with flashes of effectiveness, showing glimpses of the defensive impact Redick believes he can eventually bring with continued improvement.

Bronny’s growth and development

Bronny appeared in 27 games for the Lakers during his rookie season, making history by sharing the court with his father in an NBA game. Much of his progress, however, came in the G League, where he averaged 21.9 points and 5.5 assists for the Lakers’ affiliate. Now, as he enters a new chapter, expectations are growing for his development at the NBA level.

James may still be finding his footing in the NBA, but after the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns, the young guard made it clear that his comfort level — both with the ball and within JJ Redick’s system — is steadily improving.

“Definitely felt like I was more comfortable, especially with the ball in my hands and with the defensive and offensive schemes,” Bronny said after the Lakers’ 103-81 defeat. “But, you know, just trying to feel it out, trying to feel out my role still, just continuing to grow during the season.”

James finished the night with eight points, five rebounds, and two assists in 24 minutes, though he shot just 1-for-12 from the field, including 1-for-8 from beyond the arc. The stat line wasn’t impressive, but his poise, confidence, and understanding of the game stood out.

Bronny’s numbers from last season

It was an encouraging sign for a player hoping to take a bigger step forward in Year 2. Last season, Bronny averaged 2.3 points in 6.7 minutes per game across 27 appearances, mostly in limited stints off the bench. His opportunities were scarce, but his strong showing in the NBA Summer League gave both fans and coaches a glimpse of his development.

Bronny addresses his shooting struggles

As a team, Los Angeles shot just 31.1% from the field and 17.1% from three-point range in their 103-81 loss to the Phoenix Suns. Bronny, in particular, shot 1-of-12 from the field and 1-of-8 from deep.

“I felt like they were pretty good shots,” James said after the game, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I didn’t rush, I wasn’t forcing anything. I didn’t have my legs under me as much as I wanted to, so a lot of them were short. But most of them were on line and I felt like I could’ve made them, so I think I took some good shots.”

What JJ Redick wants from Bronny

James embraced the chance to handle the ball and run the team’s offense for stretches — something he wasn’t often asked to do as a rookie. He appeared composed and mature for his age, showing noticeable growth with every appearance.

“I feel like JJ was looking for effort and competitiveness for the most part,” Bronny said when asked what Redick wanted from him. “We haven’t had many practices together, so just looking to go out there and play hard, non-negotiables, and compete for the whole game. I feel like we did an okay job of that. Kind of died down at the end, but we’re still getting our legs under us, and that’s gonna come during the season.”

Bronny James enters the matchup against the Suns in peak condition, having dodged offseason injuries. Lakers head coach JJ Redick, however, might prioritize other starters, possibly giving some minutes on the floor. This scenario presents a pivotal chance for the 20-year-old to demonstrate his value, particularly after facing criticism during his rookie year.

Despite his rookie season performance, Bronny James delivered a promising showing in the Summer League, averaging 18.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over 18 games. These numbers hint at his potential to earn a spot in the NBA. Having gained physicality and overcome mental hurdles, the 20-year-old is now focused on securing a role in JJ Redick’s rotation. To achieve this, the 2025-26 preseason will be crucial for Bronny to demonstrate his true quality.

Bronny James may adjust his role to secure spot on Lakers roster

The Los Angeles Lakers have built a formidable roster under the guidance of General Manager Rob Pelinka. Austin Reaves’ recent breakout paved the way for the strategic acquisitions of Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton, both poised to spearhead the team’s offensive charge this season. As a result, Bronny James acknowledges he might need to adapt his role within the lineup to complement the star-studded ensemble.

“It’s definitely made me think about being more aggressive on that end of the floor, but I can’t lose that defensive drive that will get me on the floor because there’s gonna be guys that can score 15, 20 a game. I’m most likely not going to be that guy right now. To get myself on the floor, I’ve got to be a defensive menace,” Bronny said after California Classic in the 2025 Summer League.

Considering his statements, JJ Redick seems likely to allocate him some playing time primarily for defense. This does not exclude his scoring potential, but he’ll need to synergize with Marcus Smart to boost his minutes on the court. Meanwhile, Bronny James has zeroed in on improving his physicality this offseason, addressing a key weakness from the 2024-25 season.

“Free agent guard Seth Curry has agreed to a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, sources tell ESPN. Seth and Stephen Curry team up on the Warriors beginning with training camp on Wednesday,” Charania posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Fans have long called for the Curry brothers to share the court, and now that wish will finally become reality. Seth and Steph Curry join LeBron and Bronny James (Los Angeles Lakers), Moritz and Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic), and Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) as the only relatives currently playing together on the same NBA team.

That makes four sets of relatives on NBA rosters this season. In past years, twins Caleb and Cody Martin also played together for two seasons with the Charlotte Hornets before moving on to separate teams.

Other relatives in the NBA

Beyond the sets of relatives currently playing together on the same team, the NBA features a long list of family ties across different rosters. There are 17 sibling pairs in the league today, though in some cases one brother is in the NBA while the other competes in the G League.

Among the most notable duos are Lonzo and LaMelo Ball, Max and Cam Christie, Tyus and Tre Jones, Keegan and Kris Murray, Amen and Ausar Thompson, Cason and Keaton Wallace, and Obi and Jacob Toppin.

One of the most iconic family moments in league history came in 2019, when the Holiday brothers became the first trio of siblings to share the floor in the same NBA game. That matchup featured Jrue with the New Orleans Pelicans, against Justin with the Indiana Pacers, and Aaron — now with the Memphis Grizzlies — early in his career.

Still, the most historic milestone belongs to LeBron and Bronny James, who made NBA history as the first father-son duo to appear in the same game, whether as teammates or on opposing sides.

During the Los Angeles Lakers Media Day on Monday, Bronny was interviewed and asked about his sentiments heading into the upcoming season. His father, LeBron, will be embarking on his 23rd season, a record-setting milestone that continues to add to his illustrious career.

“I’m just as surprised as everyone else. I don’t know how he’s doing it. I’ve been here from literally the start. He’s literally my dad,” Bronny commented to the media, reflecting on what could be LeBron’s final season in the NBA as he approaches his 41st birthday.

With those words from Bronny, the Lakers fan base eagerly anticipates outstanding performances from both James players. One is at the dawn of his career, with an abundance of talent yet to display, while the other continues to set historic records and build upon an already legendary legacy.

Bronny discusses offseason preparations for the upcoming NBA Season

As the son of NBA legend LeBron James, Bronny, is eager to demonstrate his abilities in his sophomore year with the Los Angeles Lakers. After facing a barrage of criticism in his rookie season, Bronny is determined to showcase the talent that convinced the Lakers to invest in him as a rising star in the NBA.

“I’ve been putting in the work this summer just like any other NBA player, engaging with mentors who help me grow, and committing myself daily to learning and capitalizing on the opportunities presented to me. It’s all about continuing to grind,” Bronny shared with the media.

Austin Reaves bonding with Bronny

Austin Reaves is another player expected to elevate his game this season for the Lakers. Following his impressive performance last season, the franchise has high hopes for his continued development. During Media Day, Reaves offered insights into his recent off-court experience with Bronny on the golf course.

“I played with Bronny probably a week ago. I sent a picture to Bron of me and Bronny out there, joking that I was putting all my money on Bronny. He’s got a smooth swing [laughs],” Reaves shared with the media.

LeBron James has established himself as the personification on longevity. He’s played for so long, that the Los Angeles Lakers even drafted his first son, Bronny James, to play with his father. When asked if he’ll wait for Bryce James, the NBA legend gave a clear answer.

According to Mark Medina of Athlon Sports and Fox Sports Radio, LeBron said, “I’m not waiting on Bryce. I don’t know his timeline.” The message is clear, if LeBron is still playing when Bryce arrives in the NBA, it’s because the timelines aligned, not because LeBron waited for his second son, who is entering his first season of collegiate basketball.

Bryce James is a way different player than Bronny James. Bronny came into the league as a lockdown perimeter defender, Bryce is more of an offensive player, according to reports.

What’s Bryce James’ player profile?

Among his player profile, Bryce’s strengths are shooting, especially on his three-point shooting and pull-up jumpers, his fundamentals and IQ, which are not surprising given who his father is. He committed to the Arizona Wildcats for his college career.

Bryce stands at 6-foot-4 and is 18 years old. He is a three-star recruit, hence the NBA is not a given. However, his name certainly helps him. Arizona is not a blue blood program, so Bryce will have to earn the eyeballs on him with pure hoops.

How did Bronny James fare in his rookie year?

If Bryce wants to get to the NBA, his brother might be the parameter or the standard he has to follow. Bronny’s rookie year wasn’t nothing stellar, but he showed glimpses. He played 27 games, averaging 2.3 points per game.

It was in the G-League, however, where he showed signs of potential. He played 11 games, scored 21.9 ppg in 34.2 minutes a night, shot 38% from three and averaged 5.5 assists and 1.9 steals. The G-League was Bronny’s stage, if he can keep developing, he could become a good rotational piece. Those are the steps his brother Bryce need to follow.