LeBron James/ Bronny James/ father-son duo/ NBA history/ Lakers/ basketball milestones/ LeBron and Bronny/ Newslooks/ LOS ANGELES/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ LeBron James and his son, Bronny, made history as the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game. In the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener, the two shared the court, fulfilling LeBron’s long-held dream. The moment marked a significant milestone in sports history, as the legendary player teamed up with his son for a memorable debut.
LeBron and Bronny James Make NBA History in Lakers Opener – Quick Look
- LeBron and Bronny James became the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game.
- They shared the court during the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- LeBron, a four-time NBA champion, fulfilled his dream of playing alongside his son.
- The Jameses joined an exclusive list of father-son pairs in professional sports.
- Bronny, a second-round pick by the Lakers, made his debut following a remarkable recovery from heart surgery.
LeBron and Bronny James Make NBA History as First Father-Son Duo
Deep Look
LeBron James and his son, Bronny, made NBA history on Tuesday night, becoming the first father and son to play together in the league. The moment came during the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener, a game that marked the fulfillment of a dream LeBron had shared publicly for years. As LeBron and Bronny checked in together with just under four minutes left in the second quarter, the crowd at the Crypto.com Arena erupted in cheers, fully aware of the historic milestone unfolding before them.
LeBron, 39, a four-time NBA champion and one of the greatest players in the league’s history, took a moment to offer Bronny, 20, a few words of encouragement before they stepped onto the court. “Just play carefree, don’t worry about mistakes. Play hard,” LeBron told his son, according to a clip captured by TNT cameras. That exchange set the tone for their brief but memorable time on the court together.
The two played about two and a half minutes alongside each other, with LeBron finishing the night with 16 points. Bronny, a second-round draft pick by the Lakers last summer, grabbed an early offensive rebound and took a three-point shot that narrowly missed. Though Bronny didn’t play again in the game, the Lakers secured a 110-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
A Historic Milestone
LeBron and Bronny’s shared moment on the court represents a significant achievement, not only for the James family but for the NBA as a whole. While father-son duos have played in other professional sports, this was the first time it happened in the NBA. “That moment, us being at the scorer’s table together… it’s a moment I’m never going to forget,” LeBron said after the game. “No matter how old I get, no matter how my memory may fade as I get older or whatever, I will never forget that moment.”
The entire James family was there to witness history, including LeBron’s wife, Savannah, and their daughter, Zhuri, who was celebrating her 10th birthday. Also in attendance were Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., the first father-son duo to play together in Major League Baseball. The Griffeys played 51 games together for the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and 1991, and they were courtside to see the Jameses join them in the record books.
LeBron’s dream of playing with Bronny has been well-documented over the years, and it became a reality when Bronny entered the 2024 NBA Draft after one season at the University of Southern California. The Lakers drafted him with the 55th overall pick, making the historic pairing possible.
LeBron’s Enduring Legacy
While LeBron continues to play at an elite level in his 22nd NBA season, his achievement of playing alongside his son adds another layer to his already legendary career. LeBron has shown little sign of slowing down, averaging over 25 points per game for an unprecedented 20 consecutive seasons. He remains a cornerstone of the Lakers, playing alongside Anthony Davis as they attempt to recapture the form that won them the NBA championship in 2020.
For Bronny, his debut in the NBA comes after a challenging journey. He suffered cardiac arrest during a practice in the summer of 2023 and underwent open-heart surgery. Despite the setback, Bronny persevered and was drafted by the Lakers, where he has continued to learn and grow under the watchful eye of his father.
LeBron and Bronny first shared the court during a preseason game against the Phoenix Suns earlier this month, giving them a brief taste of what was to come. Tuesday night, however, solidified their place in sports history.
A Small Club of Father-Son Duos
LeBron and Bronny join a short list of father-son pairs who have played together in professional sports. Aside from the Griffeys in baseball, Hockey Hall of Famer Gordie Howe played alongside his sons, Mark and Marty, with the WHA’s Houston Aeros and later in the NHL with the Hartford Whalers. In baseball, Tim Raines and his son, Tim Raines Jr., played together briefly for the Baltimore Orioles in 2001.
Despite Bronny’s rookie status, LeBron emphasized that their time together on the court was not meant to be a spectacle. “We wasn’t trying to make it a circus… we wanted to make it about the team,” he said. The Lakers have not revealed long-term plans for Bronny, who could be sent to the G League’s South Bay Lakers to gain more experience and playing time.
What’s Next for the Jameses?
As the 2024-2025 NBA season unfolds, LeBron remains focused on leading the Lakers while Bronny continues his development. Lakers coach JJ Redick worked with the James family to orchestrate their joint appearance on the court, ensuring that the moment happened naturally within the game’s flow.
LeBron’s former teammate, Miami forward Kevin Love, who has known the James children for years, called the historic moment “unbelievable.” “LeBron is still a top-five player in the league,” Love said. “This game… the storylines and the things that happen like this, it’s an unbelievable story. This is really cool to see.”
While their historic debut may have been brief, the father-son duo of LeBron and Bronny James has already left an indelible mark on the NBA.
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