LeBron James and his son Bronny made history on Sunday night, becoming the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game together during the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason matchup against the Phoenix Suns. This historic moment coincided with Bronny’s 20th birthday, adding an extra layer of significance to the occasion.
Bronny entered the game as a substitute at the start of the second quarter, joining his father on the court after a timeout at Acrisure Arena in the Coachella Valley. The initial moments of their time together were a bit rocky, with both committing turnovers in their first two minutes on the floor. However, LeBron soon found his rhythm, hitting a 3-pointer shortly after, and later setting a screen for Bronny’s own attempt from beyond the arc, which unfortunately missed its mark.
After playing just over four minutes together, Bronny exited the game, followed closely by LeBron. In the first half, LeBron showcased his enduring skill, finishing with 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 16 minutes of play. He watched the rest of the game from the bench alongside star teammate Anthony Davis, as the Lakers fell to the Suns 118-114.
This season marks LeBron’s record-tying 22nd in the NBA, while Bronny, the Lakers’ second-round draft pick, is looking to build on his skills after a successful collegiate season at USC, which followed a recovery from cardiac arrest over a year ago.
Lakers coach JJ Redick addressed the historic moment before the game, emphasizing that LeBron and Bronny would play together organically, stating, “I’m excited about it. I’m very honored that I get to be part of history.”
Bronny played approximately nine minutes in the second half but did not attempt another shot. He is expected to spend much of the upcoming season developing his game with the South Bay Lakers in the G League. However, fans can anticipate more opportunities for the duo to share the court in the regular season.
Despite turning 40 in late December, LeBron shows no signs of slowing down and has long expressed his desire to play in the NBA alongside one of his sons. The Lakers made that dream a reality by selecting Bronny with the 55th pick in the draft.
LeBron had missed the Lakers’ preseason opener against Minnesota, opting to rest after a busy summer, which included winning a gold medal with the U.S. team at the Paris Olympics. In that game, Bronny recorded two points, shooting 1-for-6, and blocking three shots over 16 minutes.
As the Lakers continue their preseason—playing four more games outside Los Angeles due to renovations at their home arena—LeBron and Bronny will further unfold their historic partnership when the regular season kicks off at home against Minnesota on October 22.
The father-son duo joins an exclusive group of athletes who have played together in North American professional sports, a list that includes baseball legends Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. and hockey great Gordie Howe, who played alongside his sons Marty and Mark. As LeBron and Bronny prepare for their shared journey on the court, the basketball world eagerly anticipates what lies ahead for this remarkable pair.
