LeBron James excited to share playoff court with Bronny against Houston Rockets

The NBA playoffs represent familiar territory for LeBron James, but this year brings something entirely new. When the Los Angeles Lakers tip off their first-round series against the Houston Rockets on Saturday, the 41-year-old superstar will tie Karl Malone and John Stockton for the most playoff appearances in league history with 19. More importantly to James, he’ll share the court with his 21-year-old son, Bronny.

« Me being on the floor with him, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my career, above everything that I’ve accomplished, » LeBron James said after practice Thursday. « So, the fact that he’s put himself in a position to get his number called for a postseason game is pretty remarkable and pretty cool given the circumstances that he’s been given the last couple years. »

Bronny’s breakthrough moment arrives

The second-year guard earned his opportunity through late-season performance rather than family connections. After injuries sidelined Luka Doncic with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and Austin Reaves with a Grade 2 left oblique strain, Bronny cracked coach JJ Redick’s rotation. In the Lakers’ final six games, he averaged 7.2 points on 47.2% shooting, including 42.9% from 3-points, with 1.8 assists in 17.2 minutes per night.

« I mean, it’s what I’ve wanted, » Bronny said Thursday. « My dream is to play in the playoffs. I wasn’t able to play in March, so this is a bigger stage than that, and I’m completely and totally excited to get out there with my teammates. »

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The No. 55 pick in the 2024 draft has shown steady improvement from his rookie to sophomore campaigns. He finished this season averaging 2.9 points on 40.9% shooting and 38.6% from 3-points, up from 2.3 points on 31.3% shooting as a rookie.

Trust earned through development

Redick expressed confidence in Bronny’s readiness for the playoff stage. « We’re going to have to have all hands on deck for the series, » the coach said. « When you’re short-handed, he’s got to be ready. I think Bronny’s improved a lot. I think we trust him. The shooting piece I’m a believer in because of how well he’s shot it for the last two years in the G League. He’s improved a ton defensively, in terms of his body positioning both on- and off-ball. »

For LeBron, the playoff approach remains unchanged despite the historic family milestone. « Nothing changes for me from the regular season to the postseason besides just having even more heightened focus, » he explained. « The only thing that changes in the postseason, you just know that you are going to be playing the same team at least four times — so you got to key in on them and understand like tendencies even more and be more thorough. »

Bronny understands the value of his father’s playoff experience as the No. 4-seeded Lakers prepare to face the No. 5-seed Rockets. « He’s been in the playoffs I don’t know how many times. So, he’s won series, won Finals, » Bronny said. « I think we just need to have our mind open and ears open and listen to whatever he says because he knows the most. »

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