LeBron James and Bronny James are on the verge of making history—not just as a father-son duo playing together in the NBA, but as Los Angeles Lakers teammates aiming to leave an unforgettable legacy. As anticipation builds for the upcoming season, LeBron has revealed the one strict rule he has for his son as they prepare to share the court for the first time: “Don’t call me Dad.” It’s a rule grounded in professionalism, respect for the game, and a desire to make the experience as normal as possible for both players—and their teammates.
For LeBron James, now entering his 22nd season in the NBA, the upcoming campaign is unlike anything he has experienced before. While he’s played with All-Stars, rookies, and even mentored young talent over the years, this season introduces a deeply personal and unprecedented dynamic: teaming up with his eldest son, Bronny James, who was selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft. Bronny’s path to the league hasn’t been easy. After suffering a cardiac arrest in 2023 that nearly derailed his basketball career, he worked relentlessly to return to full health and performance, eventually making his way onto one of the most storied franchises in sports history.
As this unique chapter begins, LeBron has made it clear that there will be no special treatment or paternal moments once they step on the court. “The only rule I have is that he can’t call me Dad when we’re at work,” LeBron told reporters. “We’re teammates. That’s how we keep it professional. He’s Bronny, I’m LeBron, and we’re both Lakers.” This simple yet powerful statement underscores LeBron’s desire to foster a professional environment, ensuring that Bronny integrates seamlessly into the team dynamic without the weight of their familial relationship altering locker room chemistry.
LeBron’s leadership style has long been praised for its balance of authority and approachability. Whether mentoring younger players like Austin Reaves or working alongside fellow superstars like Anthony Davis, he’s developed a reputation for setting the tone both on and off the floor. That same leadership will now extend to his son, but with intentional boundaries. By enforcing this rule, LeBron is giving Bronny the space to be his own player, to earn his place in the league, and to avoid the potential distractions that could come with being the son of an NBA legend.
Bronny, for his part, seems more than ready for the challenge. Known for his defensive tenacity, high basketball IQ, and unselfish play, he has a different style than his father. While LeBron was a once-in-a-generation prodigy with immense expectations from the moment he was a teenager, Bronny has forged a quieter, more calculated path. He isn’t trying to be his dad; he’s trying to be himself. And with LeBron’s rule in place, that identity will have room to grow on the court.
From a cultural and historical perspective, this moment is monumental. Never before in NBA history has a father and son played together on the same team. The narrative is something fans, analysts, and even casual observers are fascinated by—not just because of the novelty, but because of the emotional weight it carries. Watching LeBron, who entered the league at 18 and became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, now hand off the baton (or at least share the floor) with his son, is a full-circle moment two decades in the making.
Yet, for LeBron, the moment isn’t just about sentiment. It’s about competition, excellence, and the same drive that has fueled his Hall of Fame career. “We’re here to win,” he said. “Whether I’m playing with Bronny or anybody else, my focus is the same—championships.” The rule he’s laid out is a symbol of that mindset. It’s not a gimmick or a publicity stunt; it’s a calculated move to protect both Bronny and the Lakers from the distractions of a very personal, very public storyline.
LeBron’s emphasis on professionalism is also an important example for Bronny, who enters the league under a microscope. Every move he makes will be analyzed, every game dissected. While that level of scrutiny is nothing new for a James, it’s unfamiliar territory for Bronny, who now carries the dual weight of proving himself as a legitimate NBA talent and living up to a last name that changed the sport. LeBron’s rule isn’t just about language—it’s about drawing a line that allows Bronny to become his own man in the game.
Teammates and coaches have already begun commenting on the unique dynamic. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham noted, “It’s a special situation, no doubt. But it’s clear from day one that both of them are locked in. There’s no father-son favoritism. Bronny’s here because he earned this shot, and LeBron is treating him like any other teammate. That’s the culture we want.” Veterans on the squad, including Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell, echoed the sentiment, applauding LeBron for creating a healthy environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of last names or relationships.
Behind the scenes, the James family has always been tight-knit, but also remarkably grounded considering their global fame. Bronny, who grew up in the spotlight, has been praised for his humility and focus. LeBron and his wife Savannah have worked hard to ensure their children had as normal a life as possible despite the cameras and headlines. Now that Bronny is stepping into the professional limelight, those lessons in discipline, poise, and maturity will be crucial—and LeBron’s on-court rule is an extension of that upbringing.
The upcoming Lakers season promises to be one of the most closely watched in recent memory. With Bronny’s debut, LeBron’s potential farewell tour (depending on his retirement timeline), and a roster looking to bounce back into championship contention, the storylines are stacked. Yet, amid all the noise, LeBron’s insistence on maintaining professionalism between himself and Bronny could end up being the defining factor in how successful this experiment becomes.
In many ways, LeBron’s rule is also a gift to his son. By refusing to be called “Dad” during games or practices, LeBron is telling Bronny: “You belong here. Not because you’re my son, but because you earned it.” It’s a powerful gesture that blends mentorship with equality—offering guidance without overshadowing.
And perhaps that’s the legacy LeBron wants most. Not just championships, records, or accolades, but the ability to help Bronny launch his own story, free from the burden of comparison. If they win together, it will be historic. But even if they don’t, this moment already stands as a testament to what’s possible when talent, family, and professionalism intersect at the highest level.
As the season approaches, fans can expect more headlines, more speculation, and more historic milestones. But inside the Lakers’ locker room, there will be no “Dad” and no “Son”—just teammates chasing greatness, side by side. And for LeBron James, that’s exactly how it should be.
