On Thursday evening, the Phoenix Suns faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers in Arizona for their final preseason game, and the matchup delivered a memorable moment that sent social media buzzing. During the fourth quarter, Bronny James, the highly anticipated rookie and son of NBA legend LeBron James, made a strong drive to the basket. Standing in his way was none other than Kevin Durant, one of the league’s most prolific scorers and defenders.
As Bronny approached the rim, Durant attempted to block his shot, but the referees called a foul on the play. The Suns challenged the call, but after review, the foul was upheld, adding even more to the significance of the moment. Fans couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed — a battle at the rim between Durant and the son of his longtime rival, LeBron James.
The play quickly went viral, with fans across social media reacting to the surreal scene of one of the game’s greatest players contesting a shot from the next generation of basketball royalty.
One fan, @the_footdoctor, tweeted, “KD blocking LeBron’s son IN an NBA game, sounds crazy…” Another fan, @blkblonded, commented, “Bronny is really living a MyCareer simulation,” referencing the popular NBA 2K video game mode where players create their own path to NBA stardom.
Other reactions echoed the disbelief of seeing this generational clash. @anthenderson2 humorously tweeted, “Lmao I know Bronny like wtf did my dad get me into ??,” while @NickCantMiss added, “Can’t believe I’m watching KD trying to block LeBron’s son.”
Some fans couldn’t help but feel the passage of time, as @clipp3rzrock shared, “This is so crazy to me. KD blocking Bron… Jr. Damn I’m old ???,” and @BohecaAmwood playfully remarked, “Bronny looks like a grade school kid playing with his dad at the company picnic.”
Another fan, @resqz, summed up the collective amazement: “This is still insane to read ???? bros really in the league.”
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While Bronny’s stat line from the game wasn’t particularly eye-popping, finishing with four points, two rebounds, and shooting 2/4 from the field in 17 minutes, the moment was about much more than the numbers. It was a symbolic passing of the torch from one basketball era to the next, with Bronny playing against the same NBA stars his father has competed with for years.
As the preseason wraps up, the Lakers will turn their focus to the start of the regular season. They are set to play their first official game on October 22, when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Bronny, with his first preseason under his belt, will look to carve out his own path and live up to the immense expectations placed upon him as he embarks on his rookie season.
The viral moment with Durant, however, will be one of many highlights in what is sure to be a captivating journey.
