Bronny James may only be in the early stages of his NBA career, but his personal life is drawing just as much attention. The Los Angeles Lakers guard is dating Parker Whitfield, the daughter of actors Salli Richardson and Dondre Whitfield, and he recently cleared an important hurdle in any relationship: parental approval.
The Hollywood pair were stopped at Los Angeles International Airport this week, where TMZ Sports asked for their thoughts on their daughter’s high-profile romance.
Dondre initially teased that Bronny was “maybe” on their good side, but he and Richardson quickly made it clear that they were supportive of the couple.
Without giving away details of the relationship, both parents spoke with an approving tone, leaving little doubt that they are happy with the young guard.
Relationship goes public in Paris
Bronny and Parker first stepped into the public eye as a couple during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where they attended Team USA basketball games together. Their appearance turned heads at the time, confirming months of speculation.
Since then, the relationship has continued to thrive under the spotlight, balancing Bronny’s growing NBA career and Parker’s background as the daughter of two well-known actors.
The pair has not shied away from marking milestones. Bronny recently celebrated Parker’s 21st birthday with a heartfelt message and a photo of the couple smiling beside a cake, a post that circulated widely among fans online.
For a young couple navigating the glare of sports and celebrity culture, the openness has been embraced by supporters from both sides.
Having her parents’ blessing only adds to that positive momentum. Richardson and Whitfield, both seasoned veterans of Hollywood, understand what it means to live in the public eye.
Their willingness to acknowledge Bronny so positively suggests confidence in the direction of the relationship and respect for how he has handled the attention that comes with his famous last name.
Away from the spotlight of his personal life, Bronny is in his second season with the Lakers and continues to adjust to the demands of professional basketball. As the son of LeBron James, his career has been closely monitored from the moment he stepped on the court. Establishing his own identity in the league is a process, but by most accounts, he has approached it with maturity.
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