The One Name Bronny James Can’t Call LeBron on the Court

As the possibility of LeBron James and his son Bronny playing together on the same NBA team draws closer, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar has set some ground rules for their time on the court.

During a recent episode of The Shop, LeBron made it clear that while they are playing, Bronny will not be allowed to call him “Dad,” a name he’s likely used his whole life.

“We’ve already laid that down—he cannot call me ‘Dad’ in the workplace,” LeBron emphasized. “Once we leave the facility and the gates close, I can be ‘Dad’ again, in the car or at home, but not on the court.”

LeBron did suggest a few alternatives Bronny could use during games. “He’s got to call me like ‘2-3,’ or ‘Bron,’ or even ‘GOAT’ if he wants to. That’s up to him.”

For LeBron, the adjustment is easier since he’s always called his son “Bronny.” He joked about how awkward it would be to hear Bronny call out “Dad” during a game. “We can’t be running down the court and he’s yelling, ‘Dad, I’m open! Dad, come on!’ No, that’s not happening.”

The much-anticipated moment when father and son could share the court is still to come, as Bronny is set to begin the season in the NBA’s developmental league, the G League. The Lakers selected Bronny with the 55th pick in the second round of the NBA Draft, a choice that has sparked debate due to his modest performance during his single season at the University of Southern California.

The Shop episode, where LeBron discusses these plans, premieres on August 29 on YouTube.