Stephen Curry recalls seeing potential in Bronny James at age 3 or 4

Many years ago, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry spent some time with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and some of the James family at the home of the NBA icon, who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers at the time.

Curry, who was born in Akron, Ohio just like James, was very early in his NBA career at that point, and he recently recalled that experience. As part of their time together, they did some bowling. One memory that still stands out to Curry today is how athletic James’ son Bronny looked even when he was just a few years old.

“I remember how athletic Bronny looked at like, maybe, couldn’t have been more than three or four,” Curry said. “And how fast he ran across the — I’m like, he going somewhere. And now to see him in the league is crazy.”

The younger James did indeed go somewhere. After playing basketball growing up and landing at the University of Southern California, he was drafted by the Lakers in the second round in 2024, giving him a chance to play alongside his father.

The 20-year-old had a mixed bag of a rookie season. In his NBA opportunities, he showed promising flashes at times but also had his fair share of struggles and didn’t receive much playing time. However, in his G League chances, he showed that he may have what it takes to make it as a pro. He averaged 18.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per contest in 18 G League games.

Now, he may be in line to have a legit NBA role in his second season, and if so, he’ll certainly look to take advantage of the opportunity. He has had to deal with a lot of noise since being drafted and will get a chance to silence a lot of the critics if he finds himself in L.A.’s rotation.

Meanwhile, the elder James, now 40, is gearing up for another NBA season, likely with the Lakers despite some chatter this offseason about the possibility of him ending up elsewhere. Assuming he does remain with the Purple and Gold, he will look to win his second championship with the team and fifth as an NBA player.

As for Curry, his career is also likely nearing an end, though he’s a bit younger than the elder James at 37. Curry, a four-time champion like the elder James, is trying to get whatever he can out of the remainder of his career and win another ring with the Warriors.

Both Los Angeles and Golden State figure to be factors in the Western Conference this coming season.