Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James stepped onto the court alongside his father, LeBron James, during a preseason basketball game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night, marking a historic moment in NBA history as they became the first father-son duo to play in the same game together.
This milestone coincided with Bronny’s 20th birthday, making it even more special for the James family. LeBron, 39, reflected on the experience, saying, “It’s definitely a moment I’ll never forget… As a father, it means everything. For someone who didn’t have a dad growing up, to be able to have that influence on your son, to be able to have moments with your son, to work with your son — that’s one of the greatest things a father could ever hope for.”
Bronny expressed his feelings of disbelief while playing alongside his father. “It was like being in The Matrix or something. It just didn’t feel real. But it was great to have those moments,” he shared.
Bronny made his debut as a substitute at the beginning of the second quarter, joining LeBron on the court. Their initial minutes together included some challenges, with both committing turnovers. However, LeBron quickly scored a 3-pointer and assisted Bronny, who missed his own 3-point attempt.
LeBron finished the game with 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 16 minutes, while watching the second half from the bench alongside teammate Anthony Davis. LeBron is starting his record-tying 22nd season in the NBA, while Bronny, after recovering from cardiac arrest and playing one season at Southern California, was drafted by the Lakers as their 55th pick this summer.
Lakers coach JJ Redick had previously stated that LeBron and Bronny would only play together organically, emphasizing a natural flow in the game. Redick expressed excitement over the historic moment, noting that discussions have already begun about future opportunities for the duo to play together.
Though Bronny played about nine minutes in the second half, he did not make any additional shots as the Lakers fell to the Suns, 118-114. He is expected to spend much of the upcoming season developing his skills with the South Bay Lakers in the G League but is anticipated to play alongside LeBron in regular season games soon.
The Lakers have several more preseason games scheduled before the regular season begins against Minnesota on October 22, as their home arena is currently being renovated.