"Can't call me dad in workplace" - LeBron James vetoes idea of Bronny James using term "dad" with Lakers, suggests "GOAT" instead

After the LA Lakers drafted Bronny James with the 55th pick, some fans are curious to know what he'll call LeBron James. Since they'll be working together on the same team, there's the question if Bronny will address the four-time champion as "dad" on the court.

During a recent episode of "The Shop," which was filmed in Paris during the 2024 Olympics, Paul Rivera asked LeBron if his son would address him as "dad" in the locker room.

"No, we already laid that. No, he can't, we already laid that down," James answered. "Cannot call me 'Dad' in the workplace. Once we leave out of the private facility and the gates close, I could be 'Dad' again in the car if we ride together. At home I could be 'Dad'.

LeBron even suggested a few names that Bronny could use.

"He got to call me like, '2-3' or 'Bron' or 'GOAT' if he want to. It's up to him. But it's easy for me cause I've been calling him 'Bronny' for so long. It's not like I've been calling him, 'Hey son, hey son.' Like, so it's easy for me. It's going to be an adjustment for him. We cannot be running down the court and he'd be like, 'Dad, push the ball up! Dad, I'm open! Dad, come on.' No you cannot do that."

LeBron and Bronny are the first-ever father-son duo in the NBA. Fans are excited to see them share the court for the first time next season.

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Kenny Smith on Bronny James

After the Lakers drafted the young point guard to the team, some fans criticized the move. They claimed that Bronny was only drafted because he's the son of LeBron James. Many have defended the father-son duo since then, and former Houston Rockets guard Kenny Smith has joined the defenders.

Smith had a one-on-one interview with RG.org where he talked about Bronny's journey to the league. According to him, he deserved the 55th pick from the Lakers. Additionally, his rocky NBA Summer League stint was criticized by fans, but Smith understands that he needs time to develop.

"That means that when you’re in that second round, we’re waiting on you, we’re waiting for you to develop. That’s what that really means," Smith said.

Bronny's time at USC wasn't impressive as well, but it was enough for the Lakers to take a chance on him. Fans will have to listen to Smith's opinion and wait to see if he can further develop his skills.