Bronny James is set to participate in his first NBA preseason game on Friday night as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Coachella Valley (10:30 ET, NBA TV).
Though LeBron James is not anticipated to join his eldest son for this matchup, the 39-year-old star is likely to play against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, which coincides with Bronny’s 20th birthday.
The Lakers did not confirm any details prior to the game, but ESPN indicated that LeBron will sit out against Minnesota as he gradually returns to competitive play after a busy offseason. Both LeBron and Anthony Davis were part of the U.S. team that secured a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Lakers coach JJ Redick noted on Thursday that both LeBron and Davis are expected to participate in at least one game over the weekend.
Bronny James was selected by the Lakers in the second round of the draft and has already appeared for the team during summer league play in Las Vegas. The 6-foot-2 guard is anticipated to see action in the preseason before spending a significant amount of time competing with the G League’s South Bay Lakers.
“Of course there’s nerves,” Bronny stated after the Lakers’ pregame shootaround. “But I’m just excited to go out there and learn from the people playing in front of me, and if I get a chance to showcase what I can do, I’m going to do that.”