LeBron James had a response that caught everybody’s consideration after his son, Bronny James, knocked down a three-pointer within the Los Angeles Lakers’ 125-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs on March 17.
Bronny, who has had restricted taking part in time this season, got here off the bench late within the fourth quarter. In simply three minutes on the court docket, he managed to attain three factors, hitting 1-of-2 from past the arc. Nevertheless it wasn’t the shot that went viral—it was LeBron’s response.
As Bronny’s deep three dropped by means of the online, all eyes turned to his father. Somewhat than displaying wild pleasure or celebration, LeBron merely clapped calmly, his face expressionless. Many on social media instantly picked up on the second. Some considered LeBron’s response as composed satisfaction, whereas others questioned if it mirrored the big strain and scrutiny that each father and son have confronted this season.
“He’s seen a lot, nothing surprises him anymore,” one fan commented. Others urged LeBron’s muted response was a method of holding Bronny grounded amid the noise surrounding his rookie 12 months.
LeBron has been a gentle supporter of his son all through a season full of criticism. Bronny, the fifty fifth total choose within the 2024 NBA Draft, has usually been the topic of debate—some questioning whether or not he’s within the league due to his father. LeBron’s cool response could have been a refined message that Bronny doesn’t want further strain from him.
Regardless of the restricted minutes, Bronny has proven flashes of potential. Whereas he’s averaging simply 4.7 minutes and 1.7 factors per sport within the NBA, his performances within the G League with the South Bay Lakers have been extra encouraging. There, he’s averaged 13.9 factors, 3.4 rebounds, and three.9 assists in 26.9 minutes per sport.
LeBron has remained centered on supporting Bronny’s long-term improvement, and his response in the course of the Spurs sport mirrored that persistence. After the sport, LeBron didn’t make any grand statements, letting Bronny’s efficiency converse for itself.
Bronny has now performed in 20 video games for the Lakers this season, together with a career-high 16-minute stint towards the Denver Nuggets on March 14. Whereas the media continues to debate his future, LeBron’s regular, composed strategy could also be precisely what Bronny wants as he continues to search out his method within the league.
For now, Bronny’s three-pointer—and LeBron’s low-key response—have develop into one of many newest speaking factors within the Lakers’ season. However for the James household, it’s simply one other step in an extended journey.
