LeBron James has caught some flak for the way he supports his son and his son’s teammates during their games, but he’s not apologizing for his behavior.
James attended his son’s high school game Saturday night that was nationally televised by ESPN3. James spoke with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols before the game, which was between Bronny’s Sierra Canyon squad and St. Vincent-St. Mary’s (the high school LeBron attended in Ohio).
In the interview, LeBron defended the way he enthusiastically supports his son.
“The game has given me so much, I feel like it’s my obligation and my duty, to give the game back with all the energy and all the excitement.”@KingJames to @Rachel__Nichols on why he gets so excited watching Bronny play. pic.twitter.com/jn3CxlcKf9
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 15, 2019
“Absolutely not. It’s all about support for me, and it’s all about the love of the game too. Without the game of basketball, I wouldn’t be here. My son wouldn’t be here, our family in this position. The game has given me so much, I feel like it’s my duty to give the game back. All the energy and all the excitement and giving my son pointers, and him giving me inspiration … he’s motivating me tonight,” James said.
Over the summer, James ran onto the court while celebrating a big dunk by teammates of his son’s traveling team, leading to some criticism. LeBron isn’t changing how he acts though.
Sierra Canyon won 59-56, with Bronny being named the game’s MVP after scoring 15 points, including the go-ahead bucket.
Bronny James en el clutch pic.twitter.com/6hihzp8Qt6
— #COMEBACKSZN (@TeamLeBronPR) December 15, 2019
What a moment for LeBron James. Sees Bronny score a career high (15 points), get awarded MVP, and get the go-ahead steal and layup late in the game to help lift Sierra Canyon to a 59-56 win over LeBron’s alma mater St. Vincent-St. Mary. pic.twitter.com/Qu8WwgF4J0
— Tarek Fattal (@Tarek_Fattal) December 15, 2019
The 59-56 win marked LeBron’s first time being able to watch Bronny play this season for Sierra Canyon. The game was played at Nationwide Arena in Ohio in front of 14,000 fans.
