LeBron James entered the NBA in 2003 as an 18-year-old phenom carrying the weight of unprecedented expectations. More than two decades later, he has accomplished virtually everything the sport has to offer: four NBA championships, four MVP awards, the league’s all-time scoring record, and a résumé that places him firmly among basketball’s greatest players.
What he could not have imagined when he debuted, however, was sharing an NBA court with his son.
That became reality when the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. A few months later, LeBron and Bronny became the first father-son duo to play together in league history.
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Over the last two seasons, LeBron and Bronny have shared the floor together while helping the Lakers produce consecutive 50-win campaigns and back-to-back playoff appearances. They also became the first father and son to record assists to each other in an NBA game.
Now, after two seasons as teammates, LeBron is making it clear where that accomplishment ranks among everything else he has achieved.
LeBron James Makes Candid Admission About Bronny James in New TIME Interview
On Tuesday, TIME unveiled its inaugural TIME100 Sports list, recognizing the 100 most influential figures in global sports. LeBron was featured on the cover of the issue and sat down with Sean Gregory for an extensive interview discussing his career, family, and future.
Reflecting on playing alongside Bronny, LeBron did not mince words about how big of an achievement it is.
“Out of all the [explicit] I’ve done in basketball… that’s the best accomplishment I’ve ever had.”
LeBron has spent more than two decades rewriting NBA record books, yet he placed sharing the court with his son above every championship, MVP award, and individual milestone.
He also addressed the criticism that has followed Bronny since he entered the league.
“The kid has earned his right to be a professional athlete,” LeBron said. “The thing you’re not going to do is throw stones at us as a family. I’m not letting that [explicit] slide, because I know what I’ve created because of what I didn’t have. So if you want to talk about the kid, that he shouldn’t be an NBA player, I don’t care about that. As long as you don’t get to the fatherhood piece. I don’t play those games.”
Bronny’s NBA journey has been scrutinized from the moment he declared for the draft. Critics have frequently questioned whether his path to the league was influenced by his father’s stature, while supporters have pointed to the adversity he overcame and the work required to reach the professional level. LeBron has consistently defended his son publicly, most notably during his highly publicized disagreement with ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, who had been critical of Bronny’s situation.
LeBron James’ Lakers Future Remains Uncertain
LeBron’s comments also arrive as questions continue to surround his future. The 41-year-old completed his historic 23rd NBA season and is set to become a free agent this summer, leaving uncertainty about whether he will return to the Lakers, sign elsewhere, or potentially consider retirement.
Regardless of what comes next, LeBron already views his two seasons alongside Bronny as the defining achievement of his career. Whether they get the opportunity for a third season together remains to be seen.
