Lebron and Bronny James Create NBA History as First Father-Son Duo to Play Together
The Los Angeles Lakers, a team with a storied history of success in the NBA, added another milestone to their legacy on a Tuesday night in Los Angeles. LeBron James, a basketball icon, and his son Bronny made history by becoming the first father-son duo to share the court in an NBA game.
LeBron James, at 39 years old and in his 22nd NBA season, took his usual place in the Lakers’ starting lineup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With four minutes left in the second quarter, 20-year-old Bronny made his NBA debut, stepping onto the court alongside his father. The duo’s entrance was met with applause from fans, creating a memorable moment for all in attendance at Crypto.com Arena.
Before the spotlight shone on them, LeBron shared a quiet moment with Bronny, offering some fatherly advice captured by a TNT Sports microphone. “You see the intensity, right?” LeBron asked. “Just play carefree though. Don’t worry about mistakes. Just go out and play hard.”
Bronny’s debut saw him play a brief two and a half minutes, during which he attempted two shots and secured a rebound. Despite his limited time on the court, the significance of the moment was not lost on anyone present.
The Lakers went on to secure a 110-103 victory, with LeBron James contributing 16 points to the team’s success. However, it was forward-center Anthony Davis who stole the show, leading all scorers with an impressive 36 points and 16 rebounds.
After the game, both father and son reflected on the historic occasion with TNT Sports. LeBron emphasized the importance of family, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share the court with his son. Bronny, in turn, described the surreal feeling of checking into the game alongside his father, expressing his gratitude for the chance to learn and grow in the NBA.
The significance of this father-son moment was not lost on others in the sports world. Baseball legends Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr., who achieved a similar milestone in MLB, were among the notable figures in attendance to witness the Jameses make history.
The bond between LeBron and Bronny was evident both on and off the court, with the duo sharing laughs and capturing moments together. Even a lighthearted Nike ad featuring some rookie hazing added to the father-son camaraderie before the game.
The Jameses’ achievement joins the ranks of other multi-generational households in American sports history, such as the Raineses in baseball and the Howes in hockey. The legacy of families making their mark together in professional sports continues to inspire and captivate fans across the globe.