LeBron James took a moment during a Lakers road trip to address a question that’s been bubbling up among NBA fans: will his youngest child follow her father and brothers onto the basketball court?
The answer, delivered with his trademark blend of humor and honesty, made it clear that Zhuri James‘s athletic future lies on a different path.
The scene unfolded after the Los Angeles Lakers‘ win in San Francisco this past weekend, where 11-year-old Zhuri, attending her first road game outside of All-Star Weekend, drew attention for her playful pregame court work alongside her father.
Cameras caught her taking shots and dribbling during warm-ups at Chase Center, prompting reporters to ask one of the league’s most recognizable figures about whether his daughter might one day suit up as a basketball player herself.
Speaking with reporters after the game, the four-time NBA champion joked that his wife, Savannah James, has officially had enough basketball in the household.
“She’s a volleyball player, don’t get my wife mad,” LeBron said with a laugh. “My wife is done with basketball. She’s done with it. [Zhuri’s] a volleyball player, but she’s been around the game for a while, so she does got good handles and she’s good form, too. But my wife ain’t playing that. Not another one. She says that’s it.”
The comment drew laughter from reporters and seemed to settle any speculation about a future WNBA star emerging from the James family.
A different path for Zhuri
While Zhuri‘s smooth handles impressed fans, her athletic future appears to lie elsewhere. According to LeBron, she’s fully focused on volleyball and already showing promise.
That distinction makes sense in the context of the James household. LeBron‘s two sons, Bronny James and Bryce James, are both deeply immersed in basketball, continuing the family’s legacy on the hardwood.
After decades of NBA seasons, travel, and youth tournaments, Savannah has understandably drawn the line.
Still, it’s impossible to ignore Zhuri‘s comfort around the game. Growing up with one of the greatest players in league history as a father naturally brings exposure, and that familiarity was evident as she confidently dribbled and shot before the game.
For LeBron, the moment carried emotional weight beyond viral clips and lighthearted jokes. As he navigates what many believe are the final chapters of his historic career, family moments like Saturday’s road appearance stand out more than ever.
Though LeBron has not made any official retirement announcement, he is currently playing in his record-breaking 23rd NBA season – an unprecedented milestone in league history.
With time ticking on his playing days, opportunities to share the experience with his children, especially on the road, may become even more meaningful.
Whether Zhuri ultimately sticks with volleyball or one day surprises everyone with a return to the hardwood, one thing is clear: the James family’s athletic genes aren’t slowing down anytime soon.
But if Savannah has her way, basketball fans shouldn’t expect another James daughter chasing a hoop anytime soon.
