LeBron James discusses Bronny James’ role in 2026 playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers took questions from reporters on Thursday ahead of their first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets. Lakers star LeBron James spoke to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin about playing with his son Bronny James and said he’ll be ready for real playoff minutes.

“Me being on the floor with him — postseason, regular season, training camp, practices — is the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my career, above everything that I’ve accomplished,” James said. “The fact that he’s put himself in the position to get his number called for a postseason game is pretty remarkable and pretty cool, given the circumstances that he’s been through the last couple years. He earned and he deserved, he’ll be ready.”

Bronny started getting legitimate playing time late in the season when both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves went down with injuries. In the last handful of games, he averaged over seven points in 17 minutes a night while shooting over 40% from three-point range.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised his development this week while emphasizing a next-man-up mentality.

“We’re going to have to have all hands on deck for the series,” Redick said. “When you’re short-handed, he’s got to be ready. … I think Bronny’s improved a lot. I think we trust him. The shooting piece I’m a believer in because of how well he’s shot it for the last two years in the G League. … He’s improved a ton defensively, in terms of his body positioning both on- and off-ball.”

Against a team like the Rockets, Bronny will need to be at his best in the minutes he plays. When asked about the team’s leader, Bronny pointed to his father’s unprecedented playoff experience.

“He’s won series’, won Finals, I think we just need to have our mind open and ears open and listen to whatever he says because he knows the most. He’s only saying that because he wants to win … We just got to listen to him.”

James Parker contributed to this story.