LeBron James Talks Bronny James' Progress, NBA Playoff Contributions in Video, 'So Many Strides'

Playing alongside one's son in the NBA is incredible enough, but LeBron James had the opportunity to throw a lob to Bronny during the Los Angeles Lakers' first-round victory over the Houston Rockets.

It was something the King said he "will never forget" as the younger James continues to make progress in the NBA.

"Last year was challenging for everybody, he was learning his way with being a professional his rookie year. But he's made so many strides in his second year," LeBron James said on Tuesday's episode of his Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash (17:50 mark). "It resulted in him taking advantage of the moment. 

"Without AR, without Luka, he was next man up. He was one of the guys who had to step up in their absence. To share that moment in Game 3, I believe we scored 10 straight points between the two of us. … I was able to throw him a lob, and we had that mini run between the two of us. That was something I will never forget. … You can't even write that script in Hollywood."

Bronny James remained a secondary contributor in that series against Houston and averaged 2.0 points, 1.0 assists and 0.2 steals in 6.8 minutes per game. Still, the stretch in Game 3 stood out.

It helped the Lakers seize a commanding 3-0 lead in the series and gave them some extra breathing room instead of facing a situation where the Rockets could have forced a critical Game 5 with another win at home.

Bronny Alley Lay up

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That breathing room proved important, as Houston won Games 4 and 5 before the Lakers closed the series out with a blowout win in Game 6.

Despite the impressive first-round victory, Los Angeles is facing a daunting task in the second round against the reigning-champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Austin Reaves is back, but Luka Dončić remains sidelined.

That will put more of the onus on LeBron James once again, as the Lakers need enough offensive firepower to keep pace with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander throughout an extended series.

It could also open the door for Bronny James to see some important playing time again after he made his mark against the Rockets.