LeBron James: "Playing with my son in playoffs is the best of my career"

The NBA playoffs are regular territory for LeBron James, but this time they come with a completely different aspect. When the Los Angeles Lakers start their first-round series against the Houston Rockets, the veteran will equal Karl Malone and John Stockton with 19 postseason appearances, a historic milestone. However, the focus is not only on the record but on something much more personal: sharing the court with his son, Bronny James.

At 41 years old, LeBron faces this series with a special motivation. After Thursday's practice, he made it clear what this moment means in his career:

"Being on the court with him is the best thing that has happened to me in my career, above all that I have achieved. The fact that he has put himself in a position for his number to be called in a playoff game is quite incredible and very special considering the circumstances of recent years. He has earned it, he deserves it, and he will be ready."

Bronny, on his part, has been earning playing time with the Lakers in the final stretch of the season, especially after the injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. In the last six games, he averaged 7.2 points with good shooting percentages, solidifying his growth in his second season.

The young guard doesn't hide what this competitive leap means to him:

"It's what I've always wanted. My dream is to play in the playoffs. I couldn't play in March, so this is an even bigger stage, and I'm completely excited to go out there with my teammates."

His journey here hasn't been easy. He missed the crucial stretch in the G League with the South Bay Lakers due to his call-up to the first team, didn't participate in the March Madness during his college years at USC, and barely had token minutes in two playoff games last year. Still, his progression is evident: he has improved his numbers and, above all, his impact on the game.

Coach JJ Redick has emphasized that idea in the days leading up to the start of the series:

"We're going to need everyone for this series. When you have injuries, you have to be ready. I think Bronny has improved a lot. We trust him. I believe in his shot from what he has shown in the G League over the past two years. He has greatly improved on defense, both in ball positioning and off-ball."

Meanwhile, LeBron maintains his usual focus heading into the playoffs, where tactical demands multiply:

"Nothing changes for me from the regular season to the playoffs except having an even greater focus. The only thing that changes is that you know you'll play against the same team at least four times, so you have to concentrate on them, understand their tendencies even more, and be more meticulous."

Mindset of Bronny James

That mindset is precisely what has influenced Bronny, who acknowledges the weight of his father's experience in the locker room:

"He's been in playoffs I don't know how many times. He's won series, he's won Finals. I think we have to have our minds and ears open and listen to everything he says because he knows best. He only says it because he wants to win, and he will help us do it. We have to listen to him."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, LeBron James: “Jugar con mi hijo en playoffs es lo mejor de mi carrera”