Bronny James leads Lakers ritual in place of LeBron vs. Spurs

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Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has a number of pregame rituals, including a layup line routine with his teammates. But on Tuesday night, with LeBron resting against the San Antonio Spurs, his son Bronny James stepped up and led the iconic pregame ritual in his father's place, in a viral moment that signals the future of the James family's legacy in the NBA.

Why it matters

LeBron James has long been the central figure of the Lakers' pregame identity, with his pregame rituals and celebrations becoming part of the team's culture. Bronny James taking over this ritual in his father's absence shows the passing of the torch and the continued influence of the James family in the NBA for years to come.

The details

As part of the Lakers' pregame routine, once the team finishes their layup lines, LeBron likes to launch the basketball high into the air from the corner of the court and catch it off a bounce. As he catches it, his teammates all gather around him and squat down simultaneously and then jog backward. On Tuesday, with LeBron resting, Bronny James took over this ritual, leading the team through the celebration in his father's place.

• On Tuesday night (February 10, 2026), the Lakers played the San Antonio Spurs.
• LeBron James was resting and did not play in the game.

What’s next

As Bronny James continues to develop and potentially join the Lakers roster, fans will be watching to see how he carries on his father's legacy and pregame rituals.