The rise of LeBron James as a global superstar has been chronicled in so many ways, but there are some stories that remain tucked away and emerge years later. Among those who experienced LeBron’s very first-ever commercial shoot was comedian Damon Wayans, who recently uncovered a moment that didn’t become recorded—an insight into the young star’s frame of mind before he took on the role of the NBA’s face. As he reviewed that day, the conversation took an unexpected turn to Bronny James and the emotional rollercoaster LeBron experienced as a dad. It began as a light and funny adieu to a rookie’s early days but became a monument to a kind of perseverance, to fatherhood, and the trials and tribulations behind closed doors.
Back in 2003, an 18-year-old LeBron James had just entered the NBA as the most hyped rookie in league history. With endorsements rolling in, his first-ever commercial shoot was a major step toward the brand-building empire he would later create. But as Damon Wayans recalled, the young LeBron wasn’t all that interested in the spectacle of Hollywood—he just wanted to get back to playing video games.
“It was an honor,” Wayans said, reflecting on his experience working with LeBron during the shoot. “And again, it was like watching a big kid. That’s all he could do. He couldn’t wait to get back to the video game. Big man, child running back.”
Nike aired this awesome commercial before LeBron James’ first NBA game.
Now, 20 years later, LeBron is on the verge of passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA’s all-time scoring record. pic.twitter.com/NL1VvXJ8x4
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 6, 2023
Despite all the media training and all the attention he got, he was still just a teenager in a new world and a new place that often came with being a generational basketball talent. Wayans even remembers some instances when LeBron completely disengaged during takes. “We cut. Okay. He’s playing video games. I guess you don’t want to chop it up“. The unfiltered, youthful side of LeBron was a far cry from the polished professional he would later be. Even then in those early days, one thing was made very clear—his desire to achieve his craft, but more importantly, a love of his family.
Bronny’s Battle and LeBron’s Unseen Struggles
Soon, the discussion between Wayans and his interviewer took a personal turn as Wayans discussed LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny James. Now a father himself, Wayans resonated with LeBron’s experience of witnessing his child in adversity— the time when Bronny had a cardiac arrest during a USC practice in July 2023.
“I know what it’s like, you know? So LeBron, he’s seen him out in that backyard. You know what I mean? He knows the work,” Wayans said. Acknowledging the sacrifices and dedication Bronny made to continue waiting to follow in his father’s footsteps. However, the public never witnessed these moments behind the scenes. “He was there at the hospital when he seen his son overcome some stuff that we haven’t seen. We’re not privy to it, but he believes in him.”
Seeing Bronny fight through that harrowing experience wasn’t just a challenge for LeBron; it was a defining moment as a father. The public saw a headline, but LeBron bore witness to the unimaginable nights spent in hospitals; the desperate and anxious waiting for test results; and the utter unpredictability of whether his son would ever play another game.
Jan 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Bronny James (9) look on during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Beyond the love of the game, something bigger—his dream of playing alongside his son has fueled LeBron’s continued dominance in the NBA. Many questioned why, after securing four championships and shattering records, he still pushed his body to its limits. But Wayans hinted that Bronny’s journey played a significant role in that drive.
“The fact that he was able to stay in shape that long for that, you know, you—you, again, you need things to motivate you,” Wayans said. The idea of sharing the court with his son wasn’t just a historic milestone; it was a deeply personal mission. It was about witnessing Bronny’s comeback, about standing by him through the darkest times and emerging stronger together.
His story has been bigger than basketball since he began from that first commercial shoot where LeBron was more interested in video games than fame to today when he is still one of the game’s greatest players and supporting his son’s journey. Under and beyond the written script are the unrecorded moments, the unseen struggles, and the rock-solid commitment to family that make up his legacy.
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