It didn't take Bronny James long to prove that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
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LeBron James Jr. — aka Bronny, aka the eldest son of LeBron James — made his long-awaited debut for USC on Sunday; barely four months after suffering cardiac arrest during a Trojans' practice over the summer. In his first game back for USC, James channeled his father's signature defensive play, when he produced an incredible chase-down block on a fast break with under five minutes to play in the first half.
BRONNY JAMES CHASE DOWN BLOCK 😱
REMIND YOU OF SOMEONE?
(via @Pac12Network) pic.twitter.com/8bCkOFKYU5
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) December 10, 2023
While Bronny's father is more known for his legendary offensive skillset, his most iconic plays come on defense, with chase-down blocks that we saw his son mirror on Sunday. The most memorable of which is when James Sr. blocked an Andre Iguodala layup during Game 7 of the 2017 NBA Finals, amid the Cleveland Cavaliers' incredible comeback from being down 3-1 in the Finals against a Golden State Warriors squad that produced a 73-9 regular season record.
Lebron James with the greatest block in NBA history on Iguodala vs 73-9 Warriors in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.
— completed the first ever 3-1 comeback in the Finals. 🏆🐐pic.twitter.com/1V2TbvJByK https://t.co/H8wffukP3p
— BronMuse (@BronMuse) April 7, 2023
That block — which has since been nicknamed, 'The Block' — is arguably the most famous block in NBA history. Clearly James' eldest son has asked dad for some tips on how to execute something similar.
James Sr., who was in attendance for Bronny's first game at USC, commemorated the debut (and block) with an Instagram post, saying, 'Can't even tell y'all how EMOTIONAL today was for me! I'm literally drained and all I can say is @bronny you're simply INCREDIBLE!! Damn the wins and loses that will occur. You've already won the ultimate goal/championship and that's LIFE!!! Proud of you kid and today you've given me more life! Thank you and I love you ??????'
While James Jr. finished his debut with four points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and the one block in 16 minutes — in a game that his USC squad lost to Long Beach State, 84-79 — the real victory was, as James Sr. alluded to, his son returning to the court after nearly losing his life on it four months ago.
After the game, Bronny James showed gratitude for those who helped him return to the court.
Bronny James offered gratitude for the medical professionals who helped him back on the court and his family after making his USC debut on Sunday pic.twitter.com/9KRLJHIqBg
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 10, 2023
"I just wanted to say I'm thankful for everything," James said. "(From) The Mayo Clinic and everything they helped me with, my parents and siblings supporting me through this hard time in my life. I just want to give appreciation to everyone that's helped me through this. Also, my coach, my teammates and other coaches."
While it remains to be seen whether James Jr. can live up to the hype his name demands, just the fact that he's able to play basketball again proves that he's inherited his father's tenacity.
