LeBron James relishing prospect of Bronny link-up, looks ahead to Paris 2024 Olympic Games - ‘Words are lost'
Updated 07/07/2024 at 11:29 GMT+1
LeBron James reflected on what has been a rollercoaster past 12 months for his son Bronny, after appearing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the California Classic against the Sacramento Kings. Aside from the NBA, James will be representing Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He is going to be linking up with the likes of Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
LeBron James could not hide his pride at the prospect of linking up with son Bronny in the NBA next season.
The duo will play side-by-side for the Los Angeles Lakers in the new campaign, and LeBron recounted the memorable journey which his son has been on after recovering from a cardiac arrest to reach the NBA.
It completes a remarkable turnaround for Bronny after his cardiac arrest on July 24 of last year, which came during his freshman season at the University of Southern California (USC).
“For me, to be able to see my son make it in the NBA alone is great,” said LeBron in quotes published by nba.com. “It’s always been a dream of his.
"For us to be side-by-side, I’m proud of him. Words are lost. I mean, the kid has worked so hard to get back to this point, so much has happened over the last year with him.
“To have this happen less than a year after the incident, to be with our friends and family when they announced his name; our family still don’t even have enough words to explain the feeling that we had. Such a great kid and I’m looking forward to seeing the progression for him to get better. He has so much room for improvement, the speed of the game, the physicality of the game.”
Bronny was making his first steps into the NBA with his Summer League debut in a 108-94 defeat to the Sacramento Kings in the first game of the California Classic.
It may take some time for the 19-year-old to get up to speed with the division after missing all three of his 3-point attempts and mustering only four points in 22 minutes.
However, LeBron stressed before his son’s debut that summer performances will count for little going forward.
“Doesn’t matter if he plays well and doesn’t matter if he doesn’t play well,” added LeBron.
“I just want him to continue to grow in practices, in film sessions, individual workouts. You can’t take anything stat-wise from the California Classic or [Vegas] Summer League.
“Only thing [that] matters is him getting better. He’s behind because he hasn’t really played a full season. Getting better is the only thing that matters.”
Focus then turned to this summer's Olympic Games in Paris, where LeBron will link up with a star-studded USA squad which includes Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid.
“My game is whatever the team calls for,” James added.
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“I will be able to provide it. If it’s a game where I need to score, I can provide it, or high assists, I can provide it. I’ve always tried to have my game ready for whatever the game or the team needs. Nothing changes with this team.
“It’s going to be easy. You’re playing with 11 other potential Hall of Famers. You can go out and let the game come to you.”
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discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.
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