The Lakers are set to make history as they prepare to showcase the first-ever father-son duo in the NBA. General Manager Rob Pelinka recently shared insights into the competitive atmosphere between Bronny and LeBron James during pre-season scrimmages, and former NFL star Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson is adding fuel to the fire with his witty banter.

During a recent episode of Nightcap, Shannon Sharpe and Ochocinco discussed the dynamic between the James family. Pelinka revealed an intense moment when LeBron scored on Bronny during a scrimmage, sparking a playful exchange between the two. Ochocinco humorously noted the fierce nature of their competition, saying, “Listen, all is fair in love and war. Once you step on that court, all bets are off—you’re not my son!”

The three-time First-Team All-Pro receiver continued, “Bronny is going to face that heat every time. You know LeBron doesn’t hold back; once the game starts, son or not, you better be ready to get schooled.”

Pelinka echoed this sentiment, describing a moment when Bronny was matched up against LeBron. “Bronny got switched onto LeBron, took him baseline, and went up and under off the glass. The trash talk afterward was probably more intense than the play itself,” he noted.

Fans expect nothing less from the Akron Hammer, who has been open about the emotional journey of sharing the court with his son. However, LeBron is adamant about maintaining a professional boundary between their personal and basketball lives.

In a previous interview following the 2024 Olympics, LeBron made it clear that Bronny should not call him “Dad” while on the court. “We already laid down the rules. In the workplace, you cannot call me ‘Dad.’ Once we leave the facility, then I can be ‘Dad’ again,” he stated. He even suggested alternative nicknames, saying, “He can call me ‘2-3,’ ‘Bron,’ or even ‘GOAT’ if he wants. It’s up to him.”

On October 5th, the Lakers will face off against the revamped Minnesota Timberwolves in their first pre-season matchup, where Bronny and LeBron will make their mark as the league’s first father-son duo on the hardwood. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see what nickname the 19-year-old will settle on for his legendary father.