Is California NBA star LeBron James catching an early glimpse of empty nest syndrome? If you watched his post-game interview after the Lakers beat the Utah Jazz on Nov. 18, you might think so. The 39-year-old superstar wasn’t talking about retirement, the playoff race, or even his own stat line. Nope. LeBron was busy joking about something a lot more relatable. His son and teammate, Bronny James, has officially flown the nest.
“He’s not a resident anymore, so we don’t talk as much,” LeBron said, crossing his arms and pouting in exaggerated dad fashion, as seen on X. “He has his own place. But he’s great.”
You could almost feel the mix of pride and playful disappointment dripping off the quote. The man might be one of the greatest to ever touch a basketball, but even LeBron isn’t immune to that moment every parent faces when their kid moves out, starts doing their own laundry, and suddenly stops texting back as quickly. Stars. They’re just like us. One fan even said via X that “You can tell her hurt,” in regard to Bronnty moving out.
Bronny James Flew The Coup
And yet, for LeBron and Bronny, this new distance actually comes with an unexpected twist. Sure, father and son aren’t living under the same roof anymore, but they are living the ultimate NBA fantasy. They’re teammates. The first father-son duo to ever play together in the league. Forget the family driveway. These two are bonding under the bright lights of national television, defending pick and rolls and running fast breaks like it’s the world’s coolest family activity.
“It’s been great to see and to watch [his growth],” LeBron said. “And he’s still young. He turned 21 not too long ago. He’s still learning and getting better with each and every rep.”
That right there is classic proud dad energy, even if he’s delivering it from behind a Lakers backdrop instead of a family birthday dinner. LeBron James has always been vocal about his love for fatherhood, and watching Bronny’s development play out while sharing the court has to feel surreal. Not just for them, but for fans who’ve watched Bronny go from highlight reel middle school phenom to legitimate NBA contributor.
Of course, whenever LeBron talks about fatherhood and the future, one question always circles back: how long is he actually sticking around in the league? The man entered the NBA before half the current rookies were even born. Retirement chatter follows him like a shadow. And, as usual, LeBron addressed it head-on.
California’s LeBron James Speaks Up
“I know I’m on the other side of the hump, for sure,” he said back in September on 360 With Speedy. “Come on now, I’m not about to play another 23 years, that’s for damn sure, and I’m not about to play another 10. I’m definitely gearing up to where the end is, [but] I’m not there yet.”
There’s also been speculation that LeBron might try sticking around long enough to team up with his younger son, Bryce, who’s currently hooping at the University of Arizona. But he shut that narrative down quickly during a Lakers press conference in September.
“I don’t know what his timeline is,” he said. “He’s his own young man now. He’s down in Tucson. We’ll see what happens this year, next year but he has his own timeline.”
That’s one thing LeBron James keeps stressing: his sons are carving their own paths. Bronny has already moved out, started his pro career, and is building his independence. Bryce is doing his thing in Tucson. And LeBron? He’s savoring the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play alongside his oldest while still dominating the league and writing the final chapters of a legendary career.
Whether it’s a playful pout over Bronny not coming home as often, or heartfelt praise for his growth on the court, one thing’s clear: the James family bond is evolving, but it’s as strong as ever. And honestly? Watching California’s King navigate fatherhood and superstar life with equal parts humor and pride might be just as compelling as anything happening on the court.
Casey James 
Sofia Bassett 
