In a recent interview with Craig Melvin on Today, airing Monday, July 8, the basketball icon shared his emotions about his recent decision to renew his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that also drafted his 19-year-old son, Bronny James, in the NBA draft.
“In terms of basketball, it’s my greatest achievement,” said the 39-year-old athlete and father of three.
While reflecting on his personal accomplishments, LeBron told Melvin, 45, that “there’s nothing more significant than sharing the court with my son.” He emphasized, “It’s the most incredible thing that’s ever happened.”
Bronny, the eldest child of LeBron and his wife Savannah James, was chosen as the 55th overall pick by the Lakers during the second round of the NBA draft on Thursday, June 27.
News of LeBron’s contract extension with the Lakers emerged on Saturday, July 6, with Rob Pelinka, the team’s Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, praising LeBron’s commitment to sustained excellence.
The father-son duo is set to make NBA history by playing together on the same team when the new season begins in October, marking the first time this has occurred. LeBron celebrated Bronny’s selection with an Instagram post captioned “LEGACY!!!!!! ,” featuring a collection of photos and videos of the two.
Bronny’s journey to professional basketball follows a challenging path, including a shortened season at the University of Southern California due to a serious heart condition discovered last July. Despite setbacks, Bronny returned to the court in December 2023 for his college basketball debut, cheered on by his father.
According to ESPN, Bronny impressed scouts during pre-draft workouts and expressed his aspiration to carve out his own legacy separate from his father’s shadow. “My dream has always been to establish myself and of course reach the NBA,” Bronny remarked, underscoring his determination to make his mark in the sport.
