As it turns out, on top of being one of the best basketball players to ever walk the planet, LeBron James is also a good sports dad.
After his youngest son Bryce and his team came back to win a game that LeBron claims in an Instagram caption they had no business winning, he gave flawless advice to his son.
Bryce wasn’t making his shots, which put him down, but LeBron laid out how he made three of the biggest plays of the game:
These were the three big plays that LeBron tells Bryce that he made which contributed to their comeback win:
- An offensive rebound and a tip in.
- An outlet pass that resulted in an and-one.
- The last swing pass that resulted in the game-winner.
LeBron told Bryce, “So, like, if you’re missing shots or making shots, don’t worry about it kid. You played a hell of a game.” He added, “Good job. I’m proud of you. I’m proud of you man. All right, go with your team, bye.”
LeBron’s words of wisdom helped, as Bryce snuck a grin after his dad made him realize he threw the pass that resulted in the win. LeBron has previously said that Bryce is the best shooter in the family, so for him to have a bad shooting day understandably made him feel like he could have done more.
This piece of advice also lines up with a legendary speech before one of Bryce’s summer games:
LeBron told the kids, “If you don’t want a role, play tennis or play golf,” he said. Because then you can do what the fuck you want to do, and then you’ve got nobody else to blame because it’s only an individual sport. If that’s what you want to do, play tennis or play golf. But if you want to play a team sport, there’s going to be things you’ve got to give up to get what you want.”
LeBron’s advice to Bryce not only made him feel better about his performance, but also taught him that being a complete team player has value beyond just scoring points. For a long time, it was one of the things that people criticized LeBron about the most, because he didn’t always take The Shot.
But it’s also the same style of play that’s made him the best player of all-time. It’s even better to see him be able to translate that into being a good dad.
AAU and youth sports parents, take notes.