In a world where LeBron James could probably sell you the sky and convince you it’s purple, former NBA star Jeff Teague has decided to call out the King for what he calls “next-level fiction.” Teague, a 2015 NBA All-Star and 2021 champion, has some major respect for the Lakers’ legend. But even Teague has his limits when it comes to LeBron’s storytelling—and apparently, that limit was reached when LeBron claimed he spotted his son Bronny’s future NBA career at the tender age of five. Yes, five.
LeBron dropped this nugget during the Lakers’ Media Day as the 2024/25 NBA season looms, when he and Bronny will attempt to become the first father-son duo to play in the league. According to Teague, though, LeBron might want to pump the brakes on the hyperbole.
“I fk with LeBron,” Teague said on the Club 520 podcast, probably bracing himself for the inevitable LeBron stans sliding into his DMs. “I fk with the whole moment. But the only thing I didn’t feel was when he said, ‘Yeah, Bronny was five years old, and I just knew he was going to the league.’ Like, stop. I love y’all to death, I love your whole family, but bro… c’mon.”
Oof. The “cap” alarm is blaring.
The Father-Son Dream… With Some Added Flair
LeBron’s tale was all about how he predicted, almost like some kind of NBA Nostradamus, that his son was destined for the big leagues before he’d even mastered tying his shoelaces. Now, to be fair, Bronny did get drafted in 2024, but it was in the second round with the 55th overall pick—not exactly the number one prodigy status dad might’ve envisioned from the sandbox days.
Still, we can’t fault the guy for aiming high. And to be honest, Bronny’s journey is inspiring. The kid came back from a terrifying cardiac arrest scare and suited up for USC, where he showed off his hustle on defense. Sure, he didn’t exactly set the court on fire offensively (averaging a humble 4.8 points per game), but hey, defense wins championships, right? Maybe just not headlines.
Fans Come to the King’s Defense
Now, as expected, the internet had opinions. While Teague might have been playing the role of truth-teller, some fans weren’t having it. One loyal LeBron supporter clapped back online, saying, “Dudes hating bc LeBron felt his son had the ability to make the league by his skills at an early age… yep, haters will look 4 anything negative… nothing new here folks.”
Another chimed in with, “It’s LeBron’s son; he knew he was going to the league in the delivery room,” because obviously the birthing suite doubles as a scouting department.
And one final fan summed it up with, “I do believe that LeBron be cappin, but thinking your son is going to the league is the most believable s**t ever.”
Teague vs. The King: Who’s Really Right?
Look, we get it. LeBron is proud of his kid—like, really proud. And if he wants to toss a little extra seasoning on the story of how Bronny came to be a Laker, who are we to stop him? After all, this is the same guy who spends millions on his body every year to defy Father Time like it’s a hobby. Maybe he’s just used to bending reality to his will. Or maybe, just maybe, he’s got a future in creative writing once he hangs up his kicks.
But for now, while LeBron dreams of NBA history with his son, Jeff Teague is here to keep him grounded. After all, somebody’s got to remind the King that even greatness has its limits—especially when it comes to bedtime stories about five-year-old basketball prodigies.
So, what’s next? Will LeBron say he knew Bronny was going to be an All-Star when he first held him? Guess we’ll find out at next year’s media day.