There was something special in the air at Chase Center on February 29, 2026, and it wasn’t just the anticipation of a classic Lakers-Warriors clash. Before the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Golden State Warriors, basketball fans were treated to a heartwarming family moment as LeBron James’ 11-year-old daughter, Zhuri, enjoyed a shootaround with her father—a scene that blended the worlds of NBA stardom and family togetherness in a way that had everyone smiling.
Zhuri James, already known as a talented volleyball player, got her chance to shine on the hardwood ahead of tipoff. The young James stood with her back to the basket at the free-throw line, determined to sink a backward shot. After several tries and a little guidance from her superstar dad, Zhuri finally banked in the tricky shot. Her reaction? Humble and charming: “I don’t know,” she said when asked what her secret was, “I tried to make sure I was in front of the basket.”
It was clear from the start that this wasn’t just any pregame routine. Zhuri dribbled along the baseline, mimicking her father’s warmup, as LeBron looked on with a proud smile. She then stepped out onto the court for shots from different spots around the key, showing off the skills she’s picked up from years of being around the game—even if volleyball is her main sport these days.
For Zhuri, this shootaround was a rare treat. “She’s a good-luck charm,” LeBron told reporters after the game. “First road trip in my career that she’s been on besides All-Star Weekend and stuff like that.” Typically, Zhuri only steps onto the court at Lakers home games—“sometimes but not a lot,” she admitted. But this time, she was front and center, soaking in the NBA atmosphere on the road for the first time. “She’s a volleyball player but she’s been around the game for a while so she does have a good handle, she’s got good form, too,” LeBron added, clearly beaming with pride.
Before heading into the locker room to finish his preparations, LeBron and Zhuri shared another memorable moment. Zhuri lobbed an alley-oop pass to her dad, who finished with a thunderous dunk that drew applause from those watching. The two then exchanged a sweet handshake, and LeBron told his daughter “love you” before disappearing into the tunnel to get ready for the real action.
As the game tipped off, it was obvious that LeBron was energized by the family time. He found his rhythm early, making 7 of 10 shots and hitting all four of his three-point attempts in the first half. By halftime, he’d already tallied four assists and four rebounds, helping the Lakers build a commanding 65-47 lead over the Warriors. The home crowd, missing their own superstar Stephen Curry—who remained sidelined for the 10th straight game due to injury—could only watch as LeBron orchestrated the Lakers’ offense with his trademark poise.
LeBron finished the night with an impressive stat line: 22 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. The Lakers cruised to a 129-101 victory, but for LeBron, the numbers on the scoreboard weren’t the only thing that mattered. After the game, he reflected on what the evening—and the entire road trip—meant for him and his family. “Over the course of my career any time I got moments with them either individually, two of them, three of them all together, whatever the case may be, it’s always special for me,” he told reporters in the locker room. “And my daughter wants to come on the road and be with me. ... We spent a lot of time, it was pretty cool. It was awesome.”
The father-daughter duo made the most of their time in San Francisco. The night before the game, LeBron and Zhuri played tourists, visiting iconic Bay Area landmarks like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s not every day that an NBA legend gets to blend his professional life with family outings, and LeBron was quick to acknowledge how much he valued the opportunity. He admitted that, during his 23-year playing career, he’s missed many family moments due to the relentless NBA schedule. This trip, then, was a rare and cherished chance to share his world with Zhuri.
Zhuri’s presence seemed to bring out the best in her father, both on and off the court. While the Lakers’ win over the Warriors will go down in the record books, it was the moments before the game—the backward free throw, the alley-oop, the shared handshake—that truly stole the show. Fans and teammates alike couldn’t help but notice the joy radiating from LeBron as he balanced the roles of NBA superstar and proud dad.
The Warriors, meanwhile, continue to struggle without Stephen Curry, whose absence has left a significant void in the lineup. For the 10th straight game, Curry’s injury kept him sidelined, and the Warriors found themselves unable to match the Lakers’ pace and execution. Still, the focus of the night remained on the positive energy and family spirit that LeBron and Zhuri brought to the arena.
Zhuri’s basketball skills may still be developing, but she’s already shown that she can handle the spotlight—and the pressure—of performing on an NBA court. With her dad cheering her on, she’s got a strong support system and a front-row seat to one of the greatest basketball careers of all time. Whether she sticks with volleyball or decides to follow in her father’s footsteps, one thing is certain: the James family knows how to make memories both on and off the court.
As the Lakers look ahead to the rest of the season, LeBron’s special night with Zhuri serves as a reminder that, sometimes, the most meaningful victories happen before the game even begins. The bond between father and daughter was on full display at Chase Center, leaving fans with a feel-good story that will be remembered long after the final buzzer.