LeBron and Bronny James Deny Allegations in 2022 Car Crash Lawsuit
1. The Alleged Incident in Littlerock, California
In a quiet corner of Los Angeles County, nestled along the High Desert routes near Pearblossom Highway, a car crash allegedly involving two of basketball’s biggest names occurred on November 13, 2022. The individuals involved? None other than LeBron James, the four-time NBA champion and global sports icon, and his son Bronny James, then an 18-year-old senior at Sierra Canyon High School and a rising basketball star in his own right.
Two women—April Almanza Lopez, the driver, and Kiara Rae McGillen, the passenger—have since filed a lawsuit claiming that LeBron and Bronny were responsible for the accident. They allege the collision caused them physical injuries, emotional distress, and significant financial loss. According to their claim, they have endured not only the physical consequences of the crash but have also been left with a vehicle that suffered substantial damage and depreciation.
The crash reportedly happened in the town of Littlerock, a sparsely populated area in the Antelope Valley region of northern Los Angeles County. While the specifics of the impact—such as the speed, exact cause, or whether any citations were issued—remain under review, the two women maintain they were not at fault and that the Jameses’ vehicle struck theirs either through negligence or recklessness.
2. Legal Action and Public Revelation
Though the incident occurred in late 2022, the lawsuit was not filed until October 2024, just days after LeBron and Bronny made NBA history by playing together on the Los Angeles Lakers in the season opener. This moment had been anticipated for years—LeBron had long hinted at wanting to share the court with his son, and in October 2024, that dream was realized. But as the sports world celebrated the moment, headlines about the pending lawsuit cast a legal shadow over the historic event.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the diminished value of their vehicle. The court documents state that the women required ongoing treatment from physicians and specialists for injuries sustained during the crash.
They also allege that the vehicle—presumably a sedan or SUV—was so badly damaged that it lost significant resale value, rendering it essentially “a total loss,” though not necessarily totaled by insurance standards.
3. Response from LeBron and Bronny’s Legal Team
In response, LeBron and Bronny’s attorneys issued a categorical denial of “each and every allegation” presented in the complaint. They contend that the women have no valid legal claims, suffered no legitimate injuries, and are not entitled to any damages.
Furthermore, the legal team is reportedly exploring a motion to dismiss, citing lack of sufficient evidence and asserting that the plaintiffs may have exaggerated the extent of their injuries or losses. They argue the lawsuit could be an attempt to capitalize on the James family’s fame and resources, especially given its strategic timing—filed immediately after the father-son Lakers debut made global headlines.
Neither LeBron nor Bronny has publicly commented on the lawsuit, maintaining a low profile regarding the matter. Representatives for the Lakers have also declined to speak on an active legal case involving their players.
4. The Plaintiffs’ Background and Arguments
April Almanza Lopez and Kiara McGillen have been portrayed in filings as ordinary working women who suffered significant personal and financial disruption as a result of the crash. Their legal team has emphasized that their clients were not pursuing the case out of opportunism but out of necessity, citing ongoing medical treatments and lost job opportunities due to injuries allegedly sustained in the collision.
They claim to have suffered from soft tissue damage, anxiety, and disruption to daily life, which they say required weeks—if not months—of therapy and rest. Though medical records have not been made public, their attorney insists the case will present “clear evidence” of their hardship.
5. The Timing Controversy
The legal filing’s timing—coming just hours after Bronny’s NBA debut alongside his father—sparked debate on social media and legal commentary circles. Critics accused the plaintiffs of waiting strategically to file for maximum publicity and possible settlement leverage.
Supporters of the plaintiffs, however, argue that delayed legal filings are not uncommon, especially in cases involving high-profile figures, where negotiations may have failed before formal litigation became necessary. They also point out that the two-year statute of limitations in California for personal injury suits had not yet expired, meaning the plaintiffs were still within their legal rights to file.
Still, to many fans and observers, the juxtaposition was jarring: the triumph of a historic moment in sports shadowed by a civil lawsuit alleging negligence and harm.
6. The Legal Landscape: Celebrities and Civil Suits
This case underscores a growing reality in the age of celebrity litigation: high-profile individuals are frequent targets of civil suits, particularly when the potential payout from a settlement could be life-changing for the plaintiffs.
Legal experts note that most civil suits involving celebrities settle out of court, especially when the legal costs of defending a suit may outweigh the settlement amount—even if the celebrity believes they’re innocent. However, LeBron and Bronny’s legal team appears ready to defend the case vigorously, indicating their intent to clear their names rather than settle quietly.
Attorneys close to the case suggest this is likely to move to discovery in early 2025, where both sides will present evidence, including medical records, vehicle damage assessments, and possible surveillance or dash cam footage. The next court date is reportedly set for February 19, 2025, in a Los Angeles County civil courtroom.
7. Public Perception and Media Reaction
Public reaction to the lawsuit has been mixed. Many fans have voiced support for LeBron and Bronny, citing the lack of police citations or criminal charges stemming from the crash. Others have expressed sympathy for the plaintiffs, noting that even low-speed crashes can cause genuine injuries, and that fame shouldn’t shield one from legal responsibility.
Media outlets have covered the case with restraint, largely due to the lack of conclusive evidence so far. The story remains a civil matter, not a criminal one, and there have been no official findings of fault by law enforcement.
Still, the high-profile nature of the defendants ensures this will remain under public scrutiny.
8. The Broader Context: A Father-Son Legacy in the Spotlight
This lawsuit arrives at a pivotal time in LeBron and Bronny’s careers. Their joint appearance in a Lakers uniform has been described as one of the most remarkable storylines in NBA history. LeBron, in his 22nd season, has cemented a Hall-of-Fame legacy, while Bronny, despite a cardiac scare in 2023, made a celebrated return to competitive play and was drafted by the Lakers in 2024.
The emotional resonance of their shared debut—a father and son playing professional basketball together—was powerful. Yet the legal case now hovering over their personal narrative introduces a tension between their public triumph and private litigation.
How this lawsuit unfolds could shape public perception not only of the James family’s legal responsibilities but also of how fame intersects with accountability.
9. What’s Next?
With legal filings now public and both sides entrenched in their positions, the next few months will be critical. The court may request mediation, or one side may file for summary judgment. Alternatively, it could proceed to a full civil trial if a settlement isn’t reached.
The case presents challenges for both the plaintiffs—who must prove injury and fault—and the defendants—who must rebut claims without appearing indifferent or dismissive.
As discovery begins and more details emerge, the public will gain a clearer view of what happened that day in Littlerock. Until then, the case stands as a reminder that even icons like LeBron James live under the rule of law and are not immune from legal scrutiny.
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