“One of the best players I ever played with. I was very lucky to get to team up with him.” That was LeBron James, talking about Rajon Rondo with real admiration. “One of the best players I ever played with. I was very lucky to get to team up with him.” That was LeBron James paying tribute to his former teammate Rajon Rondo upon his retirement. The two shared a title run with the Lakers in 2020—two sharp basketball minds that just clicked when it counted. Now, years later, it’s not about a game or a stat sheet this time. Instead, a deeply personal family moment from Rondo really touched LeBron.
Rondo, who grew up without a father figure, has poured his passion for the game into coaching his own son, Pierre. This past weekend, after leading his son’s team to their second MSCS title, the two recreated an iconic photo from their 2020 NBA championship celebration. The original photo shows Rondo sitting on the court, exhausted and triumphant, with a young Pierre standing behind him. The new photo flips the script: Pierre is the one sitting with the trophy, and his proud father and coach, Rajon, is standing behind him.
That emotional picture wasn’t just for family albums. LeBron’s media platform, Uninterrupted, shared the then-and-now collage, and LeBron quickly reposted it to his Instagram story. His caption was just one word, but it spoke volumes: “yessir,” tagging both father and son.
For LeBron, the moment clearly hit close to home. He is on his own unique father-son journey, playing alongside his son, Bronny James, on the Lakers. When asked what that experience has meant to him, LeBron was unequivocal. “Number one for sure. That’s easy. That’s not even close,” he said. “To be able to play the game that I love and to be able to along my son this whole year has been one of the most gratifying, satisfying journeys I’ve ever been on.”
It’s a powerful parallel between two champions, two fathers who are now passing the torch to the next generation. But while Rondo is enjoying his post-NBA life, LeBron is signaling that he has unfinished business.
LeBron James’ new mission for year 23
While LeBron was celebrating his friend’s family moment, he was also sending a very different kind of message to the rest of the league. LeBron was recently spotted on vacation, enjoying cigars, golf, and even listening to Indian music.
But even a vacation isn’t without headlines for the King. He was seen in Saint-Tropez, France, with his wife Savannah—and also photographed on a boat with business partner Maverick Carter and Nikola Jokic’s agent, Misko Ražnatović. That image alone triggered waves of speculation.
The timing? Uncanny. Just as the photos emerged, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Lakers’ front office would “prefer” LeBron move on in 2026. That backdrop adds tension to what could be his final chapter in L.A. Maybe that’s why, not long after, he posted a 4:49 AM gym video with the caption: “LET’S GET IT! YEAR 23 COMING SOON!.”
And here’s what makes that post even more surprising. For years, LeBron has been a model for how athletes can stay in the game for a long time, carefully managing his sleep, recovery, and how much he works out.
Feb 20, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates victory over the Portland Trail Blazers with his son guard Bronny James (9) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Reports say he spends over $1.5 million a year on taking care of his body. Sleep expert Julie Mallon once pointed out that he makes sure to get “10 to 11 hours of sleep per night to recover.” His wife, Savannah, even joked once that he’s pretty much a monk during the regular season, in bed by 9 PM.
But during the playoffs? He flips a switch and becomes a night owl. He’s up late watching film, and doing pre-dawn workouts. That 4:49 AM post shows he’s already in playoff mode—and it’s only July. That’s not just a workout; it’s a statement. He’s 40 years old and has nothing left to prove, yet the fire still burns. Maybe it’s for Bronny. Maybe he still sees a chance to win another championship. Or maybe, it’s just who he is. But one thing is clear: the King isn’t slowing down. He’s coming.
So, on one side, you have Rajon Rondo, stepping into a new chapter as a father and coach. On the other, there’s LeBron James, still chasing greatness, still changing what’s possible in his 23rd year. And connecting them both? A shared legacy—not just of championships, but of fatherhood, mentorship, and a deep, generational love for the game.
The post Lakers Champion Catches LeBron James Attention With Emotional Family Moment appeared first on EssentiallySports.
