Bronny James Heads into Second Season as Obama’s Praise Resurfaces

Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on April 13, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

By Liam Pericon | Aug 3, 2025 | 12:03 PM |

Los Angeles Lakers guard, LeBron James Jr. “Bronny James” is approaching a critical moment in his young NBA career. After a rookie season with flashes of promise, the former USC Trojans guard is preparing to take another step forward in 2025. But as he gears up for year two, attention is turning back to comments made last fall by someone outside the usual basketball circles, former President Barack Obama.

The remarks, made during an October 2024 appearance on DeepCut with VicBlends, have resurfaced as James continues to develop his role on the Lakers. The topic came up when Obama was asked about the night LeBron and Bronny made history, becoming the first father and son to ever share the court in an NBA game.

“I think it’s fantastic,” Obama said at the time. “For him to be able to share that with his son is remarkable. I haven’t met Bronny. I probably met him when he was really young, but I haven't met him recently. By all accounts, he’s trying to earn his spot. He’s working hard, he’s doing the right thing, he’s a good young man. I wish them all the best. What a joy that must be.”

That moment meant more than just a shared stat sheet, for Bronny, who entered the league with immense pressure and public scrutiny. It was also a chance to begin proving that he belongs.

Drafted in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, Bronny’s road to the league was far from conventional. His time with the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, gave him much-needed minutes and the space to grow his game, particularly on defense.

Despite early criticism that his roster spot was more symbolic than earned, James showed steady improvement. He battled doubts about his game, his health, and even his identity as a player. But as the season progressed, the narrative began to shift.

That shift became more noticeable during Summer League play, as James averaged 13 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds over the stretch, per Yahoo Sports. In the final three games, those numbers climbed to 16.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.6 rebounds. The production turned heads, but it was his growing confidence that really stood out.

“I definitely think those G League reps were amazing for me to be comfortable in my game,” James said in an interview with NBA.com. “It’s been a slow progression, but it’s working out so far.”

Confidence hasn’t come easy. James suffered cardiac arrest during a workout in the summer of 2023, the result of a congenital heart defect. The recovery process was physical and mental. James has spoken about the lasting effects and how they’ve made it harder to condition at the level he expects from himself.

In an interview with Fox News he states, “[j]ust coming in every day and pushing myself even more than I did the last day, I think, is really good for me”.

Inside the Lakers organization, Bronny’s effort hasn’t gone unnoticed. Former head coach Darvin Ham and team leadership have consistently voiced their support for his development, highlighting his willingness to learn and adjust. With a more prominent role expected this season, James is a real contributor in the making.

Obama’s words reflect a broader sentiment that extends beyond sports. It’s rare for a player with so few minutes under his belt to draw praise from a former president. Yet the admiration came from recognizing the discipline, humility, and dedication it takes to grow under a microscope.

Bronny knows the journey isn’t over. This season, he’ll be tested again, likely coming off the bench as a rotational piece with the chance to take on more as the year unfolds. But if his rookie season was about surviving the spotlight, his sophomore year might be about stepping into it.

“They don’t know what I’ve been through,” he said in an interview with Fox Sports. “I just try to make the best of the opportunities that [are] given to me.”

So far, that work is starting to speak for itself. And if it continues, the next time someone asks Obama about Bronny James, the conversation might not begin with LeBron.