LeBron James Calls Out Bronny James Critics After Lakers Win

Veteran Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James believes his son, Bronny James, “belongs” in the NBA. The 41-year-old made those comments after the Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers, 137-130, fueled by a solid contribution from Bronny, who scored four points and had two steals in 13 minutes off the bench.

After the game, James felt that his son provided a real spark off the bench with his defense, athleticism and shot creation.

“Real, meaningful minutes. I couldn’t dream of better. I couldn’t dream of something better than that. Just couldn’t,” LeBron told The Athletic’s Dan Woike.

“For him to go out and, you know, I mean obviously he’s… he’s shown over this — almost two years, year and a half — his progression. And why he belongs in this league. And what he can do in this league.

“So, for the coaching staff to trust him tonight, and for him to have significant playing time and make … make plays — and for me to be out there on the floor with him — that’s … I couldn’t, I couldn’t dream of a better feeling than that. I could not.”

---

Bronny James Tough Path to NBA

While praising his son’s progress as a pro, LeBron James also referenced Bronny’s cardiac arrest in July 2023 during a summer workout with USC. At that time, there were serious doubts about Bronny playing basketball again, let alone in the NBA.

“Especially knowing the path, you know, the road …,” LeBron reflected on his son’s ardous path to the NBA.

“So, just proud of him. I’m super proud of him. And he belongs. He belongs.”

James revealed that he noticed a new sense of confidence in Bronny’s eyes during a recent conversation with his son.

“I’m back to where I was,” LeBron said of Bronny’s confidence level post-cardiac arrest. “Physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, he’s back.”

---

Bronny James Earns Lakers Praise

With three key Lakers players — Deandre Ayton (back), Marcus Smart (ankle), and Rui Hachimura (calf) — sidelined on Wednesday, Bronny got a rare opportunity, which his head coach, JJ Redick, thought he capitalized on. 

“He’s gotten significantly better,” Redick said of Bronny, via BasketNews.

“Our staff has a lot of confidence in him, and it felt like this was a game we really needed him. It was a game where his athleticism and defense stood out—he had two really good individual defensive possessions in the first half. The biggest thing with him right now is his confidence.

“Even though he didn’t make his three tonight, he has a lot of confidence in his shot. He’s having a fantastic season with South Bay and has arguably been the best player in the last three or four weeks in our stay-ready games every time.”

Lakers star guard Luka Doncic has also been impressed with Bronny’s development.

“Definitely a big improvement from last year. I saw him in training camp, and he was doing some stuff that really impressed me,” Doncic said of Bronny.

“Today, he did a great job. It was a big game for him. That pull-up was a big bucket—probably one of the most important shots of the game.”

Sai Mohan covers the NBA for Heavy.com. Based in Portugal, Sai is a seasoned sports writer with nearly two decades of publishing experience, including bylines at Yardbarker, FanSided’s Hoops Habit, International Business Times, Hindustan Times and more. More about Sai Mohan