The jokesters acted immediately when conjuring dad jokes about LeBron James and his son Bronny playing together. Before it got too late though, the King settled mattered. “[He] cannot call me dad in the workplace” were his resounding words. While it was humourous, it was also immensely important to keep their personal and professional aspiration in two different places. And who knows better than Jeanie Buss.
She was handed the Lakers kingdom by the effervescent and transcending Dr. Jerry Buss. Prior to it though, she would meticulously work beside her father, learning his secrets to keeping the Purple and Gold at its royal pedestal. And as far as she recalls, it was strictly business when it came to those moments.
“You know, I never had that conversation with LeBron or Bronny, but in business situations, I addressed my father as Dr. Buss. I wanted to keep that boundary clear because that helped us out — we weren’t bringing work home to the dinner table. So I think LeBron and Bronny are very prepared for this. And I’m excited just for them to have this opportunity.
Establishing such a relationship is going to be vital for the father-son pair. Remember, it’s never happened in NBA history. Furthermore, LeBron James understands how acting like a father could hamper his son’s development. Bronny James is a prospect that requires inputs, no matter how critical they might be. James, being a basketball savant understands he can’t fairly evaluate his Bronny with the constraints their relationship might pose.
In that sense, Jeanie Buss, having been in the place of the 19-year-old has experienced the brutal business virtues her father provided her. It doesn’t change the equation in any way. LeBron James will always be the father to Bronny. But in the NBA, a demanding league, he can’t be delicate.
In a dormant offseason, Jerry Buss’ lessons could come in handy again
As far as LeBron James can help Bronny, the NBA world has acknowledged the failures of the Lakers to do the same. No significant moves were made, apart from their draft selections. With the James-Davis window withering, it severely affects their placement in the chase for an 18th title.
