LeBron James watches on as NBA-bound son Bronny shines for Team USA at Nike Hoop Summit
LeBron James watches from the court as NBA-bound son Bronny stars for Team USA at the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit…helping his side to a win at Team World in Oregon
Bronny James performed well for Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit on Saturday, scoring 11 points and holding the defense tight in front of his parents and sister Zhuri.
James’ father, Lakers star LeBron James, traveled from LA to Portland, Oregon to watch his son take on a U19 World team.
And the young guard impressed in the 90-84 victory, blocking a shot in the dying minutes before grabbing a rebound with about five seconds left and hitting two free throws to freeze the game.
James called his last week in Portland—practicing for NBA scouts—an “amazing experience.”
“Basketball at a high level, of course,” he told reporters after the game. ‘Getting me ready for the next level. I’m always grateful to have that experience and be a part of this with a bunch of great guys.”
LeBron James and Bronny embrace after the game in Portland, Oregon on Saturday
LeBron watched court with his daughter Zhuri (second from right) and wife Savannah (right)
James actually started the game with a few airballs, per ESPNbut stayed focused while his dad offered some rest advice.
“Basically, just say keep playing my game because he knows what I’m capable of,” Bronny told him of what his dad said.
“He just wants to see it out of me.”
James would score seven of his 11 points in the fourth quarter as his team secured a narrow victory.
When asked after the game what his performance showed, James pointed to his defense and basketball IQ.
His USA coach Steve Turner agreed and had high praise for him on Saturday.
“He’s very selfless,” he said said. His ability to understand that he can do many different things at any given time.
“Tonight I called on him to guard their best player when it mattered most. And he took the brief and worked it through – it’s a big part of why we won the game tonight.
“For such a young man who puts so much pressure on him because of who he is and his family, he handles it like a pro. I’m blessed to coach him this week.’
James and the Lakers still have work to do to secure a spot in the NBA playoffs
Despite being selected for the McDonald’s All-American game and considered a five-star recruit, James has yet to make a decision about his future in college.
Ohio State and USC are considered among the favorites to land the budding star’s signature.
Meanwhile, his father’s Lakers will resume their regular season vs. finish the Jazz.
They are expected to beat a Jazz team that has nothing left to play for, but they won’t avoid the play-in unless the Warriors slip against the tanking Blazers.