LeBron James and his son Bronny made history on Sunday night as they took the court together for the first time during the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason matchup against the Phoenix Suns. The father-son duo became the first to ever play in an NBA game simultaneously, marking a monumental moment not just for the James family but for the league as a whole. To add to the significance, this milestone occurred on Bronny’s 20th birthday.
Bronny, who was drafted by the Lakers in the second round this summer, entered the game early in the second quarter at Acrisure Arena, joining his father on the court. Despite the excitement surrounding the moment, the pair experienced a few early struggles, with both committing turnovers in their first two minutes of action.
LeBron soon found his rhythm, sinking a 3-pointer, and even set up a screen for Bronny to take his own shot from beyond the arc. Though Bronny missed, the symbolic passing of the torch was undeniable.
Bronny subbed out after just over four minutes of play in the second quarter, with LeBron following shortly thereafter. LeBron finished the half with 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists in just 16 minutes, sitting out the second half alongside Anthony Davis.
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Meanwhile, Bronny saw more action in the second half, playing around nine minutes, though he didn’t attempt another shot. The Lakers ultimately fell to the Suns 118-114.
LeBron is entering his record-tying 22nd NBA season, while Bronny is embarking on his professional career after playing one season at USC before declaring for the draft. Bronny’s journey has been particularly remarkable, as he returned to the court following his recovery from a cardiac arrest last year.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick noted before the game that LeBron and Bronny would share the court organically, avoiding any “gimmicky” setups. Redick expressed his excitement about being part of such a historic moment.
Though Bronny is expected to spend most of the season honing his skills with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, fans are eagerly awaiting the first official NBA game where father and son will play together in a regular-season matchup. LeBron, who turns 40 in December, has long spoken about his dream of sharing the NBA stage with his son, and that dream now seems within reach.
The James family has been preparing for this moment for years. LeBron and Bronny have frequently scrimmaged together in off-season workouts, practicing both as teammates and opponents. Redick mentioned they have even run pick-and-roll plays together to build their on-court chemistry.
As the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely for their next opportunity to witness this historic father-son partnership.
LeBron’s journey from being a young father in his second NBA season to realizing his dream of playing alongside his eldest son is a testament to his longevity and dedication to the game. The James family’s bond extends beyond basketball, with LeBron and his wife Savannah also raising two other children, Bryce and Zhuri.
As Bronny continues to develop, and LeBron remains one of the league’s top players, their shared time on the court is likely to provide more memorable moments.
The Lakers still have four preseason games to go before they kick off their regular season at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22, and fans are sure to be keeping a close eye on what lies ahead for the James legacy.
