LeBron hasn't forgotten: Jaylen Brown's jab at Bronny is back in the headlines
Even before they collaborate on the Sixers, Brown claimed that Bronny is "not an NBA player." The star returned a jab, and now the two will try to leave the hard feelings behind.
LeBron James's surprising move to Philadelphia will create one of the most intriguing partnerships in the NBA, but it will also resurface an awkward moment from the past between the superstar and his new teammate, Jaylen Brown.
During the 2024 Summer League, when Bronny James made his debut, Brown was recorded talking to WNBA star Angel Reese and saying: "I don't think Bronny is an NBA player." The remarks were made at a time when LeBron's son was at the center of criticism, after many in the United States claimed that he reached the league mainly thanks to his father.
LeBron did not publicly address the statement at the time, but almost two years later, in February 2026, he was asked about his relationship with Brown and did not hesitate to mention that incident:
"Our relationship has been pretty respectful," he said with a smile, "except for the nonsense he said about Bronny during the Summer League. But other than that, everything was fine."
"I don't think Bronny is a pro."
Despite that exchange of barbs, it seems the hard feelings have been left behind. According to reports in the United States, it was actually Brown who was one of the central figures who worked to convince LeBron to join Philadelphia, alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The three took part in the persuasion efforts that ended with the signing of the all-time leading scorer.
Now, the question of whether LeBron will try to reunite the family in Philadelphia is just as intriguing. Bronny James still holds a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, so any possible move would require the Sixers to execute a trade with the team from California.
