LeBron James offered Bronny perfect nickname suggestions instead of ‘dad’ on Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James, eldest boy of LeBron James, in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft this summer. Bronny signed a guaranteed contract. While it’s possible he starts the season in the G League, it’s only a matter of time before LeBron and Bronny become the first father and son duo to ever play together in the NBA.

During an appearance on “The Shop” this week, LeBron Sr. was asked about what Bronny is going to call him in the locker room. ‘Dad’ just doesn’t feel right when they’re at work.

“He can’t be running down the court like, ‘Dad, I’m open!’” the elder James said.

This entire clip of LeBron talking about what Bronny can call him at work is perfect. Watch here:

“[Bronny] can’t call me dad in the workplace ... He’s gotta call me 2-3, or Bron, or GOAT if he wants to.”

The delivery here is what sells it. LeBron Sr. cracks as he suggests “GOAT,” hinting that Bronny should only call him that if he really believes it. As an MJ guy myself, I think “2-3” is a wonderful nickname for Papa Bron at work.

Six years ago (!) I wrote a blog celebrating the best of LeBron as a corny basketball dad. Somehow, he’s remained an elite player this entire time, all while Bronny has developed into an NBA-worthy talent in his own right (okay, he probably had a little help from his dad there, too).

The LeBron-Bronny storyline should be one of the feel-good stories of the upcoming NBA season, only it doesn’t feel that way because it’s been shoved down the fans’ throats for months at this point. Take the media infatuation away and it really is cool. LeBron turns 40 years old in Dec. and still might be the best American-born basketball player alive, as he proved in the Olympics. Bronny turns 20 in Oct. and is just trying to prove he belongs on his own merits.

If LeBron handles this season with Bronny as well as he handled this question, the James Gang is going to give us some awesome moments this year.