After LeBron James signed with the Lakers in 2018, he made headlines when he showed up courtside to support his new team at the NBA's Summer League in Las Vegas.
Six years later, James' connection to the Lakers is even stronger, as his eldest son Bronny is one of LA's two 2024 draft selections.
Bronny, who was selected 55th overall in the NBA Draft, has already suited up in the purple and gold twice as part of the California Classic Summer League in San Francisco. With that in the rearview, the lights will be even brighter when Bronny James takes the floor at the NBA's main summer event in Vegas.
With all eyes on Bronny and the Lakers, will his dad again sit courtside like he did in 2018? Here's why you should not expect to see LeBron James Sr. on hand to support LeBron James Jr. at the Las Vegas Summer League in 2024.
MORE: How LeBron reacted to Lakers selecting Bronny James in 2024 NBA Draft
Where is LeBron James? Why Lakers star isn't at Bronny's summer league game
James is with the United States men's national team in the United Arab Emirates.
Team USA is preparing for the Paris Olympics as the USA Basketball Showcase continues with two games in Abu Dhabi. As part of the showcase, Team USA will face Australia on July 15 and Serbia on July 17.
James was among the players who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Friday, the same day Bronny and the Lakers summer league team will take on the Rockets in Las Vegas.
The 🇺🇸 #USABMNT arrives to Abu Dhabi & is greeted by the traditional Emirati Ayyala dance. pic.twitter.com/6rk52GDxyr
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 12, 2024
While James has displayed otherworldly abilities during his 22-year career as a pro, he has yet to display the ability to be in two places at once. Due to Team USA obligations, James will not be on hand for any of the Lakers' summer league games.
James won't be there physically, but you can expect him to find a way to tune in to watch his son work.
LeBron is staying locked in on Bronny and the Lakers between stretches 👀 pic.twitter.com/x1uh8Wqx4H
— NBA (@NBA) July 11, 2024
MORE: Ranking all 12 players on USA Olympics basketball roster
USA Basketball schedule
LeBron James and Team USA opened their exhibition schedule on U.S. soil by defeating Canada on July 10. The team began its travels on July 11, heading to Abu Dhabi for two games before heading to Europe.
USA Basketball Showcase — Pre-Olympic exhibitions
| Date | Opponent/Result | Location | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 10 | USA 86, Canada 72 | Las Vegas | — | — |
| July 15 | Australia | Abu Dhabi | 12 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| July 17 | Serbia | Abu Dhabi | 12 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| July 20 | South Sudan | London | 3 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| July 22 | Germany | London | 3 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
USA Basketball Olympic schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| July 28 | Serbia | 11:15 a.m. | NBC |
| July 31 | South Sudan | 3 p.m. | NBC |
| Aug. 3 | Puerto Rico | 11:15 a.m. | NBC |
Lakers Las Vegas Summer League schedule
Bronny James and the Lakers open Las Vegas Summer League play against the Rockets before taking on the Celtics, Hawks and Cavaliers.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| July 12 | Rockets | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN/Sling TV |
| July 15 | Celtics | 10:30 p.m. | NBA TV/Sling TV |
| July 17 | Hawks | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN/Sling TV |
| July 18 | Cavaliers | 9 p.m. | ESPN/Sling TV |
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