LeBron James had the weight of a generational prospect on his shoulders when he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers as the No. 1 overall pick, but he was more than ready. He quickly showed why the hype was real, making his presence felt from day one.
As a rookie, LeBron averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists on 41.7% shooting from the field, turning the Cavaliers into a 35-win team after a 17-65 season. To top off his incredible rookie campaign, LeBron was honored with the Rookie of the Year award.
From his rookie season, LeBron faced massive expectations and managed to take it all in stride. Yet after watching his son Bronny’s Cleveland debut, LeBron admitted that he wouldn’t have been able to handle it if he were in Bronny’s shoes.
“He’s better than I woulda been in that situation… If the roles were reversed I don’t know if I would be able to handle it.”
LeBron James on Bronny’s Cleveland debut tonight:
“He’s better than I woulda been in that situation… If the roles were reversed I don’t know if I would be able to handle it.”
(h/t @LakersDailyCom) pic.twitter.com/6t8bDsvoYi
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 31, 2024
LeBron’s comment is pretty interesting, especially when you think about how he crushed it in his rookie year under all that sky-high expectations. Perhaps it’s just him being humble or simply realizing that Bronny is facing a whole different level of pressure as the son of a legend.
Either way, that positive vibe from Cleveland is an encouraging step for Bronny’s basketball journey. The 20-year-old rookie finished his Cleveland debut with 2 points, 2 assists and 1 steal on 50.0% shooting.
