LeBron James breaks LA’s Bronie James shot

Los Angeles Lakers star ahead LeBron James opened up about his son The development of Bronnie James and his role in development inside the team during the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast with co-host and Hall of Famer Steve Nash. The conversation comes as the Lakers continue their strong start to the 2025-26 season and prepare for Friday night’s pivotal NBA Cup matchup.

Nash began the segment highlighting Broni’s recent growth and increased comfort levels in court.

“And what about Brony? He looks like he’s jumped. He’s more comfortable, he’s getting a little more opportunity and he’s taking it. How was it?” asked Nash.

James described the second-year guard’s progress as a natural step forward after a full year of development with the South Bay Lakers and increased opportunities in the main rotation.

“It was great, you know, not only as a father, but as a student of the game to see somebody use what he was able to do last year in the G League — take advantage of that, get comfortable and then come into summer league and be even more comfortable,” James said. “And when his time is called this year, just keep feeling good about it.”

as a teammate, @KingJames is proud to see Brony flourish on the field. Like a father? Even more proud.

Get ready for Black Friday hoops with a brand new episode. Watch on our YouTube, @primevideo or listen wherever you get your podcasts — link in bio. pic.twitter.com/Gf3L4jDvU2

— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) November 28, 2025

LeBron James praises Brony’s growth and explains balancing leadership and fatherhood

James mentioned periods earlier in the season when the Lakers were without Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves or Marcus Smart. Brony stepped into rotational minutes, delivering two strong outings at home and again on the road in Portland, which James highlighted as a key test of an NBA player’s growth.

“I was very proud of him for his maturation process,” James added.

Nash then shifted the discussion to James’ dual role as both father and team leader, asking how he manages the balance between family and the expectations of leadership in the NBA environment.

“When we’re in practice and in games and things of that nature, it’s leadership,” James explained. “I’m one of the guys and one of the leaders of the team. But we have our time where I can tell him what I saw, what I saw or whatever. But I just want him to … go on his journey.”

James said his focus is on giving Brony guidance without limiting his ability to learn through experience.

The Lakers continue their strong start as Brony logs steady minutes

In his second NBA season, Brony averaged 1.9 points and 1.7 assists in 11 games while playing 10.2 minutes per contest. His best performance to date came on Nov. 8 in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks, when he had nine points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal on 4-of-6 shooting in 18 minutes.

The Lakers, who achieved one of the best records in the West under head coach JJ Redick, continue to integrate young players like Brony while maintaining the strong play of their veteran core. Redick’s structured system and emphasis on accountability have shaped one of the league’s most efficient starts, and Los Angeles is currently positioned as an early contender in both the conference standings and the NBA Cup.

The Lakers will continue their four-game stretch on Friday night with the finale NBA Cup West Group B game against the Dallas Maverickss (5–14) at 10:00 PM ET on Prime Video. The game could mark the return of Anthony Davis, who missed nearly a month with a calf strain on Oct. 29. Davis, who is listed as questionable, will make his first appearance at Cripto.com Arena since being traded from the Lakers to Dallas last February.