In a heartwarming moment that brought the Cleveland crowd to its feet, Bronny James, son of NBA icon LeBron James, scored his first NBA basket during the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. The historic event took place in the same arena where LeBron spent 11 years of his illustrious career, making it all the more meaningful for the James family and the city that embraced them.
A Dream Come True
For Bronny, who grew up watching his father dominate the NBA, scoring his first points as a professional was a dream realized. “It was insane,” the rookie remarked after the game, reflecting on the overwhelming support from the Cleveland fans. “Much more than I anticipated for sure. But it’s all love.”
The crowd’s chants of “We Want Bronny!” filled the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, a testament to the city’s enduring affection for the James family. When Lakers coach JJ Redick finally called Bronny’s number in the fourth quarter, the arena erupted in cheers.
The chants really got me. I was straight-faced, but I felt it and it felt really good, especially coming from here.
– Bronny James
A Father’s Pride
For LeBron, watching his son score in the same arena where he became a legend was an indescribable feeling. The four-time NBA champion admitted that he might not have handled the pressure as well as Bronny did when he was a rookie.
To see him get his first NBA basket in this arena where he grew up not too far away from here, it’s an unbelievable moment for him, first of all. For our family. It’s just pretty cool to be a part of it.
– LeBron James
Following in Giant Footsteps
Bronny’s journey to the NBA has been closely watched by fans and media alike, given his father’s unparalleled legacy. However, the young guard remains focused on carving his own path and playing the game the right way.
I’ve been just taught to play the right way my whole life. So, just me going in there and playing my game is always something that I’m going to do.
– Bronny James
A City’s Enduring Love
The outpouring of support for Bronny in Cleveland is a testament to the city’s deep connection with the James family. LeBron’s return to the Cavaliers in 2014 healed old wounds and culminated in the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship in 2016, cementing his status as a local hero.
The Cavaliers organization recognized this bond by displaying images of LeBron and Bronny celebrating the 2016 title on the video screen near the visitors’ locker room. They also played a tribute video for the father-son duo during a first-quarter timeout.
We have so many great moments not only on the floor at this arena, no matter what the name is, if it was the Gund Arena or the Q, and now it’s Rocket Mortgage. … A lot of great memories on the court, but a lot of great memories off the floor as well in this community.
– LeBron James
The Road Ahead
As Bronny continues to develop his game and find his place in the NBA, moments like these serve as reminders of the incredible journey he’s undertaken. With the support of his family, teammates, and the countless fans who have watched him grow up, the young James has a bright future ahead.
For now, however, Bronny is content to savor this unforgettable milestone and the love he felt from the Cleveland crowd. “It was a dream come true for me,” he said, a sentiment that resonated with all those who witnessed this heartwarming moment in NBA history.
