LeBron James expresses his preference for his son and Lakers teammate Bronny to refrain from addressing him as ‘Dad’ while on the basketball court

During a recent interview, the Lakers star revealed a list of alternative nicknames that his son can use when they play together this NBA season.

LeBron James has a crucial guideline for his son this NBA season.

When the 39-year-old basketball star and his son Bronny James join forces on the court for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, they will make history as the first father and son duo to do so in the league’s history.

However, LeBron made it clear that the 19-year-old rookie should not refer to him as “dad” during the game. “Bronny cannot refer to me as his father while we are at work,” LeBron stated in a preview for an upcoming episode of Uninterrupted’s “The Shop” podcast.

When the Lakers star steps away from the private facility and the gates close, he transitions back into his role as a father. Whether they’re riding together in the car or at home, he can fully embrace being a dad.

“We can’t just be sprinting down the court, and he would say, ‘Dad, accelerate the ball forward! Dad, I’m available! Dad, please hurry up! LeBron stated in the clip.

Instead, LeBron playfully suggested that his son refer to him as ‘2-3’ or ‘Bron’ when they play together on the court. “Or, you know, GOAT, if he feels like it. It’s his choice,” LeBron added with a smile.

LeBron James is entering his 21st season in the NBA, which begins on Oct. 22.

The father of three has expressed his desire to play basketball alongside his son before he retires. During an interview with Craig Melvin on Today, LeBron expressed his immense pride in Bronny signing with the Lakers, calling it his most significant achievement.

Bronny joins his father on the Lakers roster one year after the rookie experienced a cardiac arrest in July 2023 during a practice at the University of Southern California. During his inaugural and sole season with the USC Trojans, Bronny encountered a setback when he was unable to participate in the first eight games of the NCAA season due to a medical condition. Medical professionals diagnosed him with a congenital heart defect that was deemed anatomically and functionally significant.

LeBron has three children with his wife Savannah James: Zhuri Nova, who is 9 years old, and Bryce Maximus, who is 17.