Before the start of the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, coach JJ Redick addressed the media and did not assure that LeBron James and his son Bronny would create history by playing together. This match also marked Redick’s first game as the Lakers’ head coach, presenting a significant challenge against one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
“We would all like to win,” Redick stated. “I’d like to go 82-0.” He shared that he was in touch with both LeBron and Bronny in the days prior to the game and emphasized that the moment should happen organically, stating, “We want it to make sense, and we want it to happen naturally.”
The atmosphere in the arena was electric, especially with baseball legends Ken Griffey Jr. and Sr. present to witness the potential father-son milestone in basketball. The pivotal moment came when LeBron exited the game with 7:34 remaining in the second quarter and headed to the bench, where Bronny sat just a seat away.
This was the first time Bronny had been positioned near his father—previously, he had been seated further up the bench with his other teammates. With exactly four minutes left in the second quarter, after a strong Lakers run, Redick called for the duo to enter the game together. As they walked to the scorer’s table, the anticipation among fans grew, culminating in a wave of applause as they took the court.
Their playing time was brief and not without challenges, as the Lakers were slightly outscored in their time together on the court. Bronny attempted a three-pointer from LeBron’s assist, which missed, while LeBron was unable to convert a pass from Bronny. This first appearance illustrated that their collaboration, much like Bronny’s early career, would require development.
Bronny’s journey with the Lakers began just three weeks ago at training camp, wherein his integration into the team intensified anticipation surrounding their debut. Several key moments encapsulated the bond developing on the court between the father and son ahead of their historic game.
During a training session on October 2, Bronny demonstrated confidence during a scrimmage, showcasing interactions with veterans. At one point, he made a three-pointer while being guarded by LeBron, indicating that the Lakers were excited about their potential chemistry.
On October 4, in Bronny’s first preseason game, he showcased determination by blocking shots, although his shooting was not as successful. The next several weeks included notable personal milestones for Bronny, including celebrating his 20th birthday, during which he reflected on overcoming health challenges that had earlier posed a threat to his basketball career.
Throughout preseason activities, LeBron became a mentor not only to Bronny but also to fellow teammates, emphasizing professional development. Their father-son dynamic transformed into an effective support system on the basketball court as they trained together.
As the preseason progressed, Bronny made headway despite moments of rookie initiation, which included playful banter from his father. As the Lakers approached their opening game, anticipation surrounding Bronny’s abilities continued to build, underscored by enthusiastic support from fans.
The night of LeBron and Bronny’s shared debut ultimately became a noteworthy historical occasion for the Lakers and the James family, symbolizing not just a personal milestone but also the evolution of a promising NBA career for Bronny James.