LeBron James attempts to mimic Bronny James’ amazing layups during warm-ups.

The basketball court buzzed with energy as the Los Angeles Lakers prepared for their pre-game warm-ups. Fans filled the arena, watching intently as the players ran drills, stretched, and engaged in light-hearted banter. Among them was LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion, a legend of the game, and, on this particular day, a father watching his son, Bronny James, showcase his dazzling skills.

Bronny, an up-and-coming prospect with a smooth handle and a graceful approach to finishing at the rim, had been impressing everyone with his explosive athleticism and creativity in recent games. As he effortlessly executed a series of intricate layups—some reverse finishes, some acrobatic off-balance shots—LeBron watched with a mix of pride and competitive curiosity.

LeBron had always prided himself on being one of the most adaptable players in basketball history, capable of adjusting his game to fit the moment. So, as he saw his son effortlessly weave through the lane and finish in ways that seemed nearly impossible, he decided to try and mimic Bronny’s moves.

With a grin, LeBron turned to his teammates and playfully announced, “Alright, let’s see if the old man’s still got it.”

The team, along with some courtside spectators, perked up. There was nothing like a little friendly challenge, especially between one of the greatest players in history and the young rising star who bore his last name.

Bronny, still catching his breath, laughed. “I don’t know, Dad. Some of these are tough. You sure you got the finesse for it?”

LeBron smirked. “Watch and learn.”

The Challenge Begins

LeBron first attempted a simple layup to warm himself up. No problem. The next challenge was a reverse layup off the glass with a high arc—something Bronny had just executed with ease. LeBron dribbled, planted his feet, and leapt toward the rim, twisting his body in midair before flicking the ball up.

It bounced off the backboard and rattled in. Success.

“Not bad, huh?” LeBron grinned.

“That was the easy one!” Bronny shot back.

Now, the real test began. Bronny had showcased a particularly stunning move—a double-clutch layup in midair, avoiding an imaginary defender and spinning the ball off the backboard with his off-hand. LeBron nodded, took a deep breath, and launched himself toward the hoop.

As he reached his peak, he attempted to adjust mid-flight, pulling the ball back before trying to flick it in at the last second. The ball hit the rim and rolled out.

Laughter erupted from the team and the crowd.

LeBron shook his head, feigning disappointment. “Alright, alright, that was just a warm-up. Let me run it back.”

He tried again, this time focusing on his body control, mimicking Bronny’s agility and coordination. This time, the ball kissed the glass perfectly and dropped in.

Turning Up the Heat

Bronny, never one to back down from competition, raised the stakes. “Alright, how about this one?” He drove in from the right wing, took off, and spun 360 degrees in midair before finishing with a soft left-handed touch off the backboard.

The crowd gasped. Even LeBron widened his eyes.

“Man, you’re really trying to embarrass me, huh?” LeBron chuckled.

“Nah, I just wanna see if you still got hops like that!” Bronny teased.

LeBron dribbled to the three-point line, gave himself a running start, and leapt into the air. He twisted his body, but not quite 360 degrees—more like 270—before forcing the layup up with his left hand. It hit the backboard but bounced off the rim.

More laughter.

“Hey, that was close!” LeBron defended himself, grinning. “Not bad for Year 21.”

The Final Challenge

As the warm-up session neared its end, Bronny decided to go all out. He stepped back, eyed the rim, and exploded toward the basket. As he approached a help defender, he pulled off a behind-the-back, midair switch, finishing on the opposite side of the hoop with a high-arcing layup.

The crowd erupted.

LeBron held his hands on his hips, laughing and shaking his head. “Nah, man. That’s ridiculous.”

Still, the competitor in him wouldn’t let it go. He had to try.

He dribbled, built up momentum, and took off, attempting to mimic Bronny’s movement. But mid-flight, his years of NBA mileage caught up to him. His body hesitated for a split second, and instead of completing the switch cleanly, the ball slipped out of his hands and hit the backboard awkwardly before bouncing away.

The entire arena, including Bronny, burst into laughter.

LeBron doubled over, shaking his head. “Alright, I admit it. That one’s yours.”

Bronny patted his father on the back. “Hey, you gave it a shot. Maybe next time.”

A Special Moment

The warm-up wrapped up, and the Lakers prepared for tip-off, but the exchange between LeBron and Bronny was more than just a friendly competition. It was a rare, beautiful moment in sports where a father and son, separated by generations but connected by a love for the game, could share a court, push each other, and create memories that would last a lifetime.

As LeBron jogged to the bench, he looked back at Bronny, nodding with pride. “You got something special, kid. Keep working.”

And with that, the game was on.