LeBron James makes true confession on lack of involvement with Bronny and Bryce James’ coaches – “Coach him however you want to” 

As involved as LeBron James seems in his sons’ basketball careers, the Lakers superstar claims he’s not had much influence on their college coaches. Bronny James went to USC and played under Andy Enfield in the 2023-24 season and under JJ Redick with the Lakers in 2024-25, while Bryce James will attend Arizona and play for Tommy Lloyd next year.

It’s a common situation for parents to see how coaches utilize their kids as players, but it wasn’t the same for the Lakers’ superstar.

During the latest episode of James’ podcast, “Mind The Game,” released Sunday, which he co-hosted with Steve Nash and Luka Doncic as a special guest, he revealed leaving his kids on their own with their coaches.

Here's how James explained his decision not to get involved as much:

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"I've never got involved with my kids coaches. From Bronny going up to where he's now, to when Bryce on his way to Arizona, I've never got involved, I've never went to a practice and sat through practice the whole time and see how my son was utilized. I'm never down on the phone with the coaches ... Listen, coach my son, coach him however you want to. I hope you hold him more accountable than any other kid here."

The discussion on the podcast was based on parents being protective of their kids and their careers in sports. However, despite his influence and stature, James has stayed away from it and let his sons dictate their pathways. He believes young players must let their coaches be hard on them.

However, parents often get involved and influence coaches to treat their children differently. James said it's one of the key reasons why Bronny James and Bryce James are where they are in their respective journeys.

Bronny James' sporadic role in rookie year validates LeBron James' claim

LeBron James' son, Bronny James, teamed up with him on the Lakers in his rookie year after the franchise selected him in the draft. Coming off an underwhelming college season at USC, where he averaged 4.8 points on 36.6% shooting, Bronny played a sporadic role on LA, often shuttling between the South Bay Lakers and his dad's team.

It was crucial to his growth curve as he was a work-in-progress prospect like many late draft picks. Considering his influence, James could have influenced decisions around his son's young NBA career, offering him significant chances, but he didn't let that happen.

Bronny James thrived in South Bay as part of his developmental program and reportedly is in contention to earn a significant role next year.

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About the author

Arhaan Raje

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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