LeBron James Honors Late Grandmother: Hopes His Grandson Can Make Her Proud

Today marks the birthday of LeBron James' late grandmother. James paid tribute to her and wrote: "Happy birthday, my angel grandma! I love you! I hope your grandson can make you proud!"

LeBron's grandmother would surely be proud of such an outstanding grandson. James usually visits her gravesite around this time every year, bringing flowers and talking with her. When he is unavailable, he also asks his mother to send her greetings.

LeBron's grandmother passed away from a sudden heart attack on Christmas Day in 1987 at the age of 42, which was heartbreaking. James was only three years old at the time. His grandmother gave him a basketball hoop as a Christmas gift that year, sparking his basketball dream and beginning his legendary basketball journey.

In fact, without LeBron's grandmother, there might not have been the LeBron James we know today.

LeBron's mother Gloria became pregnant unexpectedly at age 16 and, due to her young age and lack of experience, once considered giving up the child. His grandmother firmly supported her decision to give birth and promised to share the responsibility of raising him.

After LeBron was born, he and his mother moved into an old house rented by his grandmother on Walnut Street in Akron. Although the living conditions were difficult, it was his first home.

Because his mother still needed to return to school, the responsibility of caring for LeBron fell on his grandmother. During financially difficult times, she even asked neighbors for used baby supplies. The blue stuffed elephant was LeBron's only childhood toy and was later kept in his locker for years.

Although his grandmother was only with LeBron for three short years, the love she gave him became a source of strength throughout his life and shaped his mindset when facing challenges. From difficult beginnings to reaching the top of the NBA, he has carried this memory with him and worked to make his grandmother proud.

LeBron will surely continue the love and strength his grandmother gave him and pass them on to his own children. For example, Bronny has also been working hard to improve and will surely make his great-grandmother proud.

Next season will be Bronny's third NBA season. Bronny said he does not yet fully know what role he will have with the Lakers, but if he receives playing opportunities, he appears to understand what he needs to accomplish.

He said he has spent the entire summer improving himself and preparing to play alongside Doncic and Reaves while contributing in both on-ball and off-ball situations.

In an interview with ESPN Los Angeles radio, Bronny said: "I am working to improve myself in every aspect. This season I will still be playing alongside Luka and Reaves. So when necessary, I need to be ready for an off-ball role. I have to make the most of my shooting opportunities while also creating chances for my teammates. I think I have done a good job in those areas this summer."

This is likely the development path for Bronny. He believes he can step up and help when the two core players need someone to share ball-handling responsibilities.

"I think I can serve as a secondary ball-handler for Luka and Austin, initiate different types of offense, make catch-and-shoot plays, run pick-and-roll actions and more. I take pride in becoming an all-around player. Whatever the team needs me to do, I am willing to step up."

Of course, his top priority is securing his place on the team. The Lakers currently have 16 guaranteed contracts, and the roster must be reduced to 15 players before the new season begins. Several players, including Bronny, face uncertainty regarding their roster status.

Hopefully Bronny can establish himself with the Lakers and continue his NBA career. The father-son storyline involving LeBron and Bronny next season will also be a major attraction.