NBA fans didn’t miss Ron Harper’s comment during All-Star Saturday, especially with both of his sons, Dylan Harper and Ron Harper Jr., sharing the stage at the NBA Rising Stars event.
When asked whether he expects his kids to follow his NBA path, the five-time champion kept it blunt.
“I’m not LeBron James,” said Harper. “I’m not going to tell my kids what they have to do.”
The remark quickly made waves. Some NBA fans felt the LeBron reference wasn’t necessary, particularly with Harper’s sons right there in the spotlight. Cameras even caught the brothers looking slightly uncomfortable after the comment.
@pecanbeauty1 said, “I mean it’s the truth…. A blind man can see bronny can’t and doesn’t want to play. A tough gig to have a narcissist father.”
I mean it’s the truth…. A blind man can see bronny can’t and doesn’t want to play. A tough gig to have a narcissist father.
— Whitley Gilbert (@pecanbeauty1) February 15, 2026
@iamjamesharris3 added, “Yo sons there and you worried about another man 🤣 he tried but that was an epic fail because even they know he was trippin saying that.”
Meanwhile, @1timiof1 wrote, “Everyone will use LeBron’s name to trend.”
Harper, of course, knows a thing or two about big stages. He won three titles alongside Michael Jordan in Chicago from 1996 to 1998, then added two more championships with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in 2000 and 2001.
“Must be nice sharing the stage with your brother”: NBA fans enjoy Harper brothers’ moment
If the pregame quote stirred debate, the on-court moment felt lighter. Dylan and Ron Harper Jr. suited up for opposing teams — Team Melo and Team Austin — and ended up facing each other.
At one point, Dylan created space against his older brother and knocked down a smooth fadeaway, a sequence that had NBA fans smiling.
@ShakeMiltonStan said, “Just like in the backyard when they were kids, must be nice man sharing the stage with your brother.”
@SportoGraphy25 added, Sibling rivalry at its finest! Dylan crossed up big bro and made it look effortless. Pure family heat!”
And @OgodoSandra wrote, “Dylan really said family ties don’t matter on the court. Smooth move, no hesitation, and big bro just had to hold that one. Awesome moment.”
Dylan and Team Melo advanced to the championship round before falling short to Team Vince, 25-24.
Debate aside, NBA fans ultimately shifted their focus back to the game — two brothers competing under the All-Star lights, creating a memory that will likely outlast the headlines.
