LeBron and Bronny James Make NBA History as First Father-Son Duo to Play Together

The Los Angeles Lakers, a renowned franchise in the sports world with a storied history of 17 championships, recently made NBA history with a groundbreaking moment. During a game in Los Angeles, Lakers star LeBron James and his son Bronny achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game.

LeBron James, at 39 years old and in his record-tying 22nd NBA season, took his usual place in the Lakers’ starting lineup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Making his NBA debut, 20-year-old Bronny joined his father on the court in the second quarter. The father-son duo entered the game together amidst cheers and applause from fans, marking a historic moment at Crypto.com Arena on the NBA’s opening day.

Before Bronny’s debut, LeBron shared a heartfelt moment with his son, offering words of advice captured by a TNT Sports microphone. “You see the intensity, right?” LeBron said. “Just play carefree though. Don’t worry about mistakes. Just go out and play hard.” Bronny’s initial appearance on the court saw him play for about two and a half minutes, attempting two shots and grabbing a rebound.

While this was the first time LeBron and Bronny played together in an official NBA game, they had previously shared the court during a preseason game against the Phoenix Suns in October. The presence of baseball legends Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr. added to the significance of the moment, as they were the first father-son duo to play in the same MLB game back in 1990.

The atmosphere was filled with joy and camaraderie as the Jameses and Griffeys shared laughs and posed for a time capsule photo before the game. Additionally, a Nike ad featuring LeBron playfully initiating some rookie hazing with his son added a touch of humor to the occasion. LeBron’s on-court performance further energized the crowd, with a notable block and a powerful one-handed dunk contributing to the Lakers’ early lead.

In the realm of major American sports, only the Howe family in hockey has achieved a similar multi-generational feat. Gordy Howe played alongside his sons, Mark and Marty, in NHL games for the Hartford Whalers during the 1979-80 season. The historic moment of LeBron and Bronny playing together not only added a unique chapter to the NBA’s history books but also highlighted the special bond shared between a father and his son in the world of professional sports.