LeBron James Lost 1-on-1 to Bronny, Broke Backboard

Lakers star's competitive nature led to a backboard-shattering loss to his son.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:43am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has always been known for his intense competitiveness, even when playing against his own son Bronny. In a recent revelation, Bronny shared that he once beat LeBron in a 1-on-1 game at their Miami home, leading LeBron to break the backboard in response.

Why it matters

The story highlights the competitive dynamic between father and son, as well as LeBron's legendary drive to win, even in informal settings. It also comes ahead of a historic moment where LeBron and Bronny combined for the first-ever father-son assist in NBA history.

The details

Bronny James revealed that during a 1-on-1 matchup at their Miami home, he was able to beat his father LeBron. In response, the Lakers superstar broke the backboard. Lakers teammate Austin Reaves confirmed the story, joking that LeBron broke the backboard because he lost to his son.

  • The 1-on-1 game and backboard incident occurred at the James' home in Miami.
  • The historic father-son assist between LeBron and Bronny happened during the Lakers' 116-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets on March 28, 2026.

The players

LeBron James

A 21-time NBA All-Star and four-time NBA champion, LeBron James is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Bronny James

The eldest son of LeBron James, Bronny is a rising basketball star in his own right and recently made history by combining with his father for the first-ever father-son assist in the NBA.

Austin Reaves

A Lakers teammate of LeBron and Bronny James, Reaves confirmed the story about LeBron breaking the backboard after losing to his son in a 1-on-1 game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The last time I played him 1-on-1, I don't know if this story came out, but he broke a backboard at our house in Miami.”

— Bronny James

“Yeah. You can say that. Don't leave that out!”

— Austin Reaves, Lakers Teammate

What’s next

The James family will look to build on their historic father-son moment as the Lakers continue their push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

LeBron James' legendary competitiveness extends beyond the NBA court, as evidenced by his willingness to break a backboard after losing a 1-on-1 game to his own son. This story underscores the intense drive that has made LeBron one of the greatest players of all time.