LeBron James watches from the court as NBA son Bruni stars for Team USA at the 2023 Nike Hope Summit…helping his team beat Team World in Oregon
Broni James performed well Saturday for Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit, scoring 11 points and stressing defense in front of his parents and sister Zhuri.
James’ father, Lakers star LeBron James, flew to Portland, Oregon from Los Angeles to watch his son with the U19 World Team.
And the young guard impressed to win 90-84, stopping a shot in the closing stages before hitting a rebound with nearly five seconds left and hitting two free throws to freeze the game.
James described his final week in Portland — which included practicing in front of NBA scouts — as “an amazing experience.”
“High level basketball, of course,” he told reporters after the game. It prepares me for the next level. I am always grateful to have had this experience and to be a part of this with a group of amazing guys.
LeBron James and Broni embrace after the game in Portland, Oregon, on Saturday
Watch LeBron on court with his daughter Zhuri (second from right) and wife Savannah (right)
James actually started the game with a pair of volleys, each ESPNbut remained focused as his father gave him some advice at half-time.
‘I simply say keep playing my game because he knows what I can do,’ Bruni told him.
“He just wants to see it from me.”
James would score seven of his 11 points in the final quarter as his team cruised to a close win.
When asked after the game what his performance showed, James referred to his defense and basketball IQ.
USA coach Steve Turner agreed, earning some praise for it on Saturday.
“He’s very selfless.” He said. His ability to comprehend he can do a lot of different things at any given time.
I called him tonight to guard his best player when it mattered most. And he took the job and made it magical – he’s a big part of why we won the game tonight.
For a young man like this who has so much pressure on him because of his identity and family, he handles it like a pro. I was blessed with the opportunity to train him this week.
James and the Lakers still have to do to secure a place in the NBA playoffs
Despite being selected to the McDonald’s All-American Game and being considered a five-star recruit, James has not made up his mind about his college future.
Ohio State and USC are among the favorites to get the budding star signed.
Meanwhile, his father, the Lakers, will wrap up his regular season versus the Jazz.
They’re expected to beat the Jazz with nothing to play for, but they won’t slack off unless the Warriors mistook the Tank Blazers.
