The James family created an unforgettable memory on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. In a moment that will be etched in NBA history, LeBron James and his 20-year-old son, Bronny James, became the first father-son duo to ever share the court in an official NBA game. The milestone occurred during the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 110–103 season-opening victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, a game that will forever be cherished by the James family and basketball fans alike.
The long-awaited moment came when 39-year-old LeBron and Bronny checked into the game together at the 4:00 mark of the second quarter.
After months of anticipation and speculation, the father-son tandem officially made their NBA debut together, turning a dream into reality.
The significance of the moment wasn’t lost on Bronny, who shared his feelings in a postgame interview on the TNT broadcast.
“Going up to the scorer’s table with my dad and checking in for the first time, that’s a crazy moment I will never forget,” Bronny said, reflecting on what the experience meant to him. The young guard, still in the early stages of his professional career, savored every second of the historic event, recognizing its impact on both his basketball journey and his family legacy.
LeBron, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, was equally reflective about the monumental experience. As someone who has built a career defined by his dedication to both the game and his family, LeBron expressed his gratitude for the rare opportunity to play alongside his eldest son on the sport’s biggest stage.
“It’s always been family over everything,” LeBron said. “For me, I lost a lot of time because of this league—committing to this league, being on the road, missing a lot of [Bronny’s] things, Bryce’s things, Zhuri’s things. So, to be able to have this moment where I’m working still and I can work alongside my son—it’s one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever got from the man above. I’m going to take full advantage of it.”
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The James duo spent a total of 2 minutes and 41 seconds on the court together in the second quarter, an experience that transcended the stats. Bronny, eager to make an impact, grabbed an offensive rebound and attempted two shots, finishing 0-for-2 from the field.
He missed a 28-foot open three-pointer but demonstrated his composure on the court, holding his own during his minutes alongside his father. While the box score might not reflect a standout performance, the value of the moment was immeasurable for both father and son.
LeBron, entering his 22nd season in the NBA, kicked off the 2024-25 campaign with a solid outing, scoring 16 points on 7-of-16 shooting. He also contributed five rebounds and four assists in 35 minutes of play, showing that even after two decades, he remains a force on the floor.
For the Lakers, the win over Minnesota marked a strong start to the season, with Anthony Davis leading the team in scoring with 36 points and 16 rebounds. The victory also ended a frustrating streak for the franchise, as they secured their first season-opening win since 2016.
The James family’s historic night was not only a significant chapter in LeBron’s illustrious career but also a moment that highlighted the deep connection between family and the game. The experience was all the more special considering the path Bronny had taken to get here.
After committing to USC for college basketball, Bronny faced a serious health scare when he suffered a cardiac arrest during a workout over the summer. His recovery and eventual debut in the NBA serve as a testament to his resilience and determination, adding even more weight to the moment he shared with his father.
The Lakers (1–0) will next take on the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, where the spotlight will once again be on LeBron, Bronny, and their pursuit of more unforgettable moments together on the court.
For the James family, Tuesday night’s game is one that will be cherished for a lifetime, a night when dreams became reality and the legacy of LeBron and Bronny took center stage.
