LeBron James Cites Bronny as Motivation to Keep Playing

Lakers superstar says having his son on the team has given him a renewed sense of purpose amid retirement rumors.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game with overlapping, fragmented shapes and planes of color, representing the unique dynamic of LeBron and Bronny James playing together on the same team.A father-son duo making NBA history, their shared court time a testament to LeBron James' enduring passion for the game.Los Angeles Today

NBA legend LeBron James has opened up about his future in the league, acknowledging that the physical toll of playing into his 40s is immense. However, James credits his son Bronny, who is now his Lakers teammate, as providing him with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to keep playing at a high level. James says the responsibility of setting a professional example for Bronny has reinvigorated his passion for the daily grind required to compete at the NBA level.

Why it matters

LeBron James is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but the 41-year-old is nearing the end of his illustrious career. His decision to continue playing alongside his son Bronny has made NBA history, and James' comments suggest this unique dynamic has given him a vital psychological boost as he contemplates retirement.

The details

James has logged more NBA minutes than any player in history, and the physical toll of that workload is immense. Fans see the highlights, but behind the scenes, James spends hours in treatment, ice baths, and intense preparation to keep his aging body performing at an elite level. James acknowledges that the mental grind of playing at such a high level every day can become exhausting, but he says having Bronny as a teammate has given him a renewed sense of purpose. James wants to set a professional example for his son, which has reinvigorated his passion for the daily work required to compete in the NBA.

  • LeBron James made these comments on April 2, 2026.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar who is currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, where he is teammates with his son Bronny James. LeBron is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Bronny James

The son of LeBron James, who is now playing alongside his father on the Lakers roster, making NBA history as the first father-son duo to be teammates.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If the mind is still in it, then I think everything will take care of itself. For me, I love the process. If I can continue to be process-oriented, getting to the arena early, five hours before, locking in, excited about it, then I can do it forever.”

— LeBron James, NBA Superstar

“I have even more of a purpose to show up to work, to work out and train, because I know he's looking like, 'OK, that's how you be a professional right there.' So I have a responsibility with him around.”

— LeBron James, NBA Superstar

What’s next

As the 2026-27 NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on the Lakers to see if LeBron James and Bronny can make history by playing together. LeBron's future beyond this season remains uncertain, but his comments suggest he is highly motivated to continue playing as long as his mind and body allow.

The takeaway

LeBron James' decision to continue playing in the NBA alongside his son Bronny has provided him with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for the daily grind required to compete at the highest level. Even as Father Time catches up to the 41-year-old superstar, the unique dynamic of being teammates with his son has reinvigorated James' drive to keep playing.