LeBron James watches on from courtside as NBA-bound son Bronny shines for Team USA at 2023 Nike Hoop Summit… helping his side to a win over Team World in Oregon
Bronny James performed well Saturday for Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit, scoring 11 points and clamping down on defense in front of his parents and sister Zhuri.
James’ father, Lakers star LeBron James, traveled to Portland, Oregon from LA to watch his son take on a U19 World team.
And the young guard impressed in the 90-84 win, blocking a shot in the closing stages before grabbing a rebound with roughly five seconds remaining and hitting two free throws to ice the game.
James called his last week in Portland – which included practicing in front of NBA scouts – a ‘great experience.’
‘High-level basketball, of course,’ he told reporters after the game. ‘Getting me ready for the next level. I’m always grateful for having that experience and being part of this with a bunch of amazing guys.’
LeBron James and Bronny embrace after the game in Portland, Oregon on Saturday
LeBron watched courtside with his daughter Zhuri (second from right) and wife Savannah (right)
James actually started the game with a pair of airballs, per ESPN, but stayed focused as his dad offered some halftime advice.
‘Basically just saying keep playing my game because he knows what I’m capable of doing,’ 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 nabbed a close win.
Asked after the game about what his performance showed, James pointed to his defense and basketball IQ.
His USA coach Steve Turner agreed, and had some high praise for him on Saturday.
‘He’s very unselfish,’ he said. His ability to understand he can do a lot of different things at any given time.
‘Tonight I called on him to go guard their best player when it mattered the most. And he took the assignment and worked it to a charm – it’s a big part of why we won the game tonight.
‘For a young man like that who has so much pressure on him because of who he is and his family, he handles it like a pro. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to have coached him this week.’
James and the Lakers still have work to do to secure a spot in the NBA playoffs
Despite being selected to the McDonald’s All-American game and being considered a five-star recruit, James has yet to make a decision on his college future.
Ohio State and USC are considered among the favorites to land the budding star’s signature.
Meanwhile, his dad’s Lakers will wrap up their regular season vs. the Jazz.
They’re expected to beat a Jazz team with nothing left to play for, but won’t avoid the play-in unless the Warriors slip up vs. tanking Blazers.