LeBron James Reacts Emotionally to Rajon Rondo and Bronny Recreating Iconic 2020 Lakers Championship Photo, Relives Historic Title Run
When LeBron James scrolled through social media this week and saw an image of his son Bronny James standing beside former teammate Rajon Rondo, holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy in a pose reminiscent of the iconic 2020 championship celebration, the memories came flooding back. What might’ve seemed like just a fun tribute quickly turned into a full-circle emotional moment for the four-time NBA champion.
In a candid interview on the Mind the Game podcast, LeBron opened up about the photo’s significance and what it meant to see his son and longtime teammate recreate one of the most cherished moments of his illustrious career.
“That 2020 run, man, it was more than basketball,” LeBron said. “It was the bubble, the sacrifice, the unity we built. Seeing Bronny and Do [Rondo] recreate that image — it was surreal. It brought it all back.”
A Snapshot of Greatness
The photo that sparked the conversation featured Rajon Rondo holding the championship trophy with Bronny James by his side, both replicating a famous 2020 locker room shot of Rondo and LeBron after the Lakers clinched the franchise’s 17th title.
Bronny, who recently inked a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers and is preparing for his rookie season, wasn’t just posing for nostalgia’s sake. The symbolism was potent: a passing of the torch from one generation of Laker greatness to the next. For LeBron, it felt like watching history echo back through his own legacy.
“I’ve always said basketball is family to me,” LeBron said. “To have Rondo — one of the smartest players I’ve ever played with — alongside my son, in that same pose, it hit different.”
The 2020 Bubble Title: A Championship Like No Other
The Lakers’ 2020 championship, earned inside the NBA’s COVID-19 “bubble” at Disney World in Orlando, is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and unique titles in league history. With no fans, daily testing, strict isolation, and immense mental pressure, the title run required not just talent, but toughness, leadership, and unity.
Rajon Rondo was instrumental during that postseason, averaging 8.9 points and 6.6 assists in the playoffs. His leadership and on-court IQ helped orchestrate key moments, especially in the Finals against the Miami Heat.
Bronny James was just 15 years old at the time, watching from afar as his father battled through the playoffs. Five years later, he’s now suiting up alongside LeBron — a first in NBA history — and leaning on figures like Rondo for mentorship.
“It’s not lost on me how full circle this is,” LeBron admitted. “Bronny was a kid watching that championship. Now he’s in the locker room with guys like Rondo. It’s incredible.”
A Symbolic Photo, A Real Connection
The recreation of the photo didn’t happen by accident. According to team insiders, it was Rondo’s idea.
“Rondo has always had an eye for symbolism,” said Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy. “He told Bronny, ‘Let’s run that back — the same energy, the same pose.’ And when they showed LeBron, his face lit up like it was Christmas morning.”
The photo went viral, drawing emotional responses from fans, teammates, and former Lakers alike. For many, it was a reminder of how quickly time moves in the NBA — but also how certain legacies carry through generations.
Even former Lakers like Jared Dudley and Dwight Howard reposted the photo with captions like “Legend to Legacy” and “This one hit deep.”
Bronny’s Journey Just Beginning
For Bronny James, the recreated image represents much more than a moment of nostalgia. It’s a launching point. Selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft and signed by the Lakers, Bronny has faced criticism, doubt, and questions about whether he earned his spot due to talent or lineage. But the young guard has remained steady, showing flashes of defensive intensity, high basketball IQ, and an eagerness to learn.
“I know people talk,” Bronny said earlier this summer. “But I’m here to work, not talk.”
His connection with Rondo — now a Lakers consultant and mentor — has already proven valuable. Rondo has been seen working closely with Bronny during team practices and film sessions, emphasizing decision-making, defensive rotations, and situational awareness.
“Bronny soaks it all in,” Rondo said. “He listens. He asks questions. He’s humble. He’s got a chance to be special.”
LeBron’s Reflections
LeBron’s reaction to the photo went beyond emotion — it was also pride.
“I always tell Bronny that the NBA is earned,” LeBron said. “I’m not handing him anything. But seeing him beside Rondo, in that pose, reminded me how far we’ve come — as father and son, as teammates now. I had to sit back and just take it all in.”
LeBron, entering what could be his final NBA season, has emphasized how much it means to share the court with Bronny. While the 2024-25 campaign will bring immense pressure for both father and son, it’s clear they’re embracing every moment.
“I’m not here to prove anything anymore,” LeBron said. “But Bronny — this is his time to grow. And if I can be part of that growth, that’s the biggest win.”
The Lakers’ Quest Continues
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, the focus remains on roster cohesion, defensive improvement, and establishing a winning culture early. The addition of Bronny brings youth, energy, and a fresh storyline, but the core veterans — LeBron, Anthony Davis, and new addition Luka Dončić — will drive championship expectations.
Still, the bond between Bronny and Rondo — highlighted by that powerful photo — gives fans a new storyline to embrace. It’s a reminder that even in a league driven by statistics and analytics, some moments can’t be measured by numbers alone.
The recreation of the 2020 championship photo is more than a social media moment. It’s a bridge between eras, a tribute to resilience, and a reminder of what the Lakers stand for: legacy, unity, and greatness.
For LeBron James, it’s yet another unforgettable chapter in a career already filled with them. For Bronny James, it’s just the prologue.
“I don’t know how this journey ends,” LeBron said, “but seeing that photo… I know it’s starting in the most beautiful way.”
