For anyone that has seen The Simpsons: Do you know that scene where Homer has a big sign at work covered with Maggie's photos that spells out "do it for her?" If you do, there is a similarly heartwarming vibe coming from the Los Angeles Lakers with LeBron James and Bronny James.
It is fair to wonder what truly motivates LeBron after 23 years in the NBA. The all-time great has done pretty much all there is to do in the league. Many already consider him the greatest player to ever lace up basketball shoes in the long history of the NBA.
So, what drives that type of person at 41 years old? Rings? Passion? Money? Well, how about Bronny?
On the newest episode of Mind the Game, LeBron and Steve Nash hit a variety of different topics. One of those talking points quietly revealed just how much James has enjoyed and valued the experience of sharing the court, and the process, with his son at this stage of his career.
"To be able to have Bronny in the locker room has definitely helped out a lot as well. I have a job and a responsibility to show him what it means to be a professional. ... That's given me inspiration, and given me motivation to still do this. It's paid off, I hope so, I hope it's paid off."
LeBron James is still doing it for Bronny James
The older of the two James discussed on the show how much things are different now. Bronny has been able to see what it takes to be an NBA player from the outside throughout the duration of LeBron's career. However, things are different with both of them being on the same team.
LeBron has been able to teach the process from inside the building. The Lakers forward highlighted the locker room, film sessions, the plane, and other areas of being an NBA pro as parts of that process he was trying showcase. Putting together how the lead-up translated to results was key.
For Bronny, there really is no better teacher than LeBron. For the Lakers, they get to benefit from their star forward still giving the last bit of juice in his game to the team.
It worked out in the first round. The Lakers stunned the Houston Rockets in large part to James' leadership. A motivated LeBron turned back the clock just enough to help Los Angeles book their ticket to the second round.
The minutes the two members of the James family were able to share on the court clearly meant a lot to LeBron too. That was something the Lakers star touched upon during the Mind the Game episode too, but he did not even have to say it. You could see it while watching the games.
On top of the fact that Bronny has clearly grown through his two campaigns with the Lakers, JJ Redick and company also get to benefit from having LeBron just a little more dialed in. Picking the younger James at 55th overall in 2024 ages better by the day.
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