LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have had a difficult few weeks as a result of a recent slump that has dropped the team to the No. 11 spot in the Western Conference of the NBA. 

After the Lakers’ fourth straight loss on Friday, James was understandably unhappy during the Friday media conference. However, he briefly brightened up when teammate Austin Reaves inquired about his son Bronny’s impending USC game against Stanford on Saturday. 

According to Claire de Lune of The Guardian on X, formerly Twitter, James boldly stated that he thought it was “time,” saying that his kid “could play for us right now,” in response to Reaves’ question on whether Bronny would be starting for the Trojans. 

The older James’s suggestion that Bronny might start for the Lakers given their current situation could be seen as a subtle jab at his teammates or as a tribute to his kid.

But seriously, James is probably just pleading with USC to allow his son to take a full workload, as Bronny has been on a minutes limit since suffering a heart arrest back in July. 

James has stated unequivocally that he wants to compete in the NBA with Bronny and their younger kid Bryce. Perhaps this is a not-so-subtle suggestion to the Lakers to come to a similar agreement soon. 

Throughout the Trojans’ six games this season, Bronny James has averaged 7.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in 16.8 minutes of play.