LeBron James praised for reaction after hitting young girl with ball as fans turn on Bronny

There was a brief scare on the sidelines as the Los Angeles Lakers began their playoff campaign.

The Lakers are aiming to make it past the opening round of the playoffs for the first time since 2023, despite reaching the postseason in the last three seasons.

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During the first quarter of their Game 1 win over the Houston Rockets, LeBron James got across to intercept a pass from Jabari Smith Jr. near the edge of the court.

After swatting the ball to stop it, it flew straight into a child who was sitting on an adult’s lap courtside.

LeBron quickly rushed over to make sure the girl was not hurt, which thankfully, was the case.

The woman who had the child sitting on her lap reassured one of the greatest NBA players of all time that she was okay, before he rushed back onto the court.

Fans were quick to praise the NBA legend for his act.

“A sweet moment in the midst of the Laker’s most important game of the season,” one fan commented.

“Great job LeBron, a selfless act in a really important game,” a second said.

“Class moves in the middle of playoff intensity. These moments remind you it’s still just a game at the end of the day,” posted another.

“LeBron didn’t just swat the ball – he swatted any doubts about his heart, a class act from the King,” a fourth said.

“That’s the f****** king bro. Most NBA players would have just kept playing,” a fifth concluded.

X formerly Twitter / @ESPN

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It’s the second time that both teams were without their leading scorers. Luka Doncic is out with a hamstring injury, and Kevin Durant was a surprise inclusion on the Rockets injury report.

Houston shot just 38 percent overall from the field, while the Lakers were 61 percent overall.

Fans troll Bronny James’ unimpressive four minutes

For LeBron, this year’s playoff run will be all the more special given he is experiencing it alongside his son Bronny.

Bronny made it on to the court for just four minutes during their Game 1 win, and despite the obvious heartwarming moment, Bronny didn’t exactly shine.

In his short stint, Bronny had two fouls and one turnover, and fans were quick to criticize head coach J.J. Reddick’s decision to put him in.

“He’s not it. He simply isn’t. JJ gotta stop this crap,” one fan said.

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“2 fouls and 1 turnover in four minutes. A legend,” a second added.

“Bronny James should not be seeing playoff minutes,” suggested another.

Despite Bronny’s minimal impact in the win, LeBron is grateful he gets to lineup with his son in the playoffs.

“Every moment we get an opportunity to play together is something I never take for granted,” LeBron said after the game.

“Me being on the floor with him in the postseason, regular season, training camp, practices, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my career, above everything I’ve accomplished,

“The fact that he’s put himself in position to get his number called for a postseason game is pretty remarkable and pretty cool, given the circumstances that he’s been through over the last couple of years. He earned it. He deserves it. He’ll be ready.”

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