Former NBA player Ron Harper competed in the NBA Shooting Stars competition during NBA All-Star Weekend with his two sons, Ron Harper Jr. and Dylan Harper. Harper Sr. was speaking to media members with his sons after the contest was completed. During that time, he hit LeBron James with a wild swing.
Harper, who won five championships during his time in the league, took aim at the Los Angeles Lakers star when asked if he had dreams of competing in an All-Star tournament with his own children. The former point guard made a comment alleging that James forced Bronny James to enter the 2024 NBA Draft.
“I'm not LeBron James,” Ron Harper said. "I'm not going to tell my kids what to do."
"You," Ron Harper Jr. and Dylan Harper responded.
Ron Harper: "I'm not LeBron James, I'm not going to tell my kids what to do."
Ron Harper Jr. and Dylan Harper: "U" 😅
Ron Harper asked if he hopes his son plays in the NBA
(via @celticsclns)
- ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 15 February 2026
The initial belief was that Bronny James needed to play at least one more year in college before entering the draft. However, he declared to turn professional and was selected by the Lakers in the late second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Since then, Bronny has played as a backup point guard for LA from time to time.
Harper played for 15 years in the NBA, serving as a point guard and shooting guard with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. He won three rings with the Bulls and two with the Lakers.
As for his sons, Ron Harper Jr. has played 10 games as a forward for the Boston Celtics this season. Meanwhile, Dylan Harper joined the San Antonio Spurs as the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Despite playing point guard in college, he is developing as a shooting guard with the club.
