LeBron and Son Bronny James Make History

In a historic moment for basketball, LeBron James stepped onto the court on Sunday night to play alongside his son, Bronny, during a Los Angeles Lakers preseason game against the Phoenix Suns.
It marked the first time a father and son have played together in an NBA game, a milestone that transcended basketball for LeBron, who grew up without a father and has often emphasized the importance of family.
The pair took the court for just over four minutes in the second quarter on a day that coincided with Bronny’s 20th birthday.
LeBron said: “It’s pretty cool for the both of us, and especially for our family. It’s definitely a moment that I will never forget.”
LeBron has expressed his desire to share the court with Bronny since his son was in high school. “For a father, it means everything,” he said. “To be able to work with your son—that’s one of the greatest things a father could ever hope for.”
Bronny entered the game as a substitute and joined his father at Acrisure Arena in the Coachella Valley.
Coach JJ Redick had informed Bronny beforehand that he would be playing alongside LeBron, but the rookie maintained his composure throughout the moment. “I was pretty psyched for that,” Bronny said.
Bronny acknowledged the challenge of balancing familial ties with the competitive nature of the game. “When I’m playing, he’s just my teammate. That’s all,” he said.
The duo’s initial minutes together included a couple of turnovers. After LeBron hit a three-pointer, he assisted Bronny, who attempted a three of his own but missed. “I was really hoping that wing 3 would have gone in,” Redick said. “That would have been a cool moment.”
Bronny exited the game about four minutes into the second quarter, shortly followed by LeBron. The veteran finished the first half with 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Bronny played nine minutes in the second half but did not score in the Lakers’ 118-114 loss to the Suns.
After the game, LeBron encouraged his son to keep improving. “He’s young. He wants to continue to improve, and that’s what’s most important,” he said.
As LeBron begins his record-tying 22nd season in the NBA, Bronny, who was drafted by the Lakers this summer, is expected to split his time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
The regular season kicks off on Oct. 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where more opportunities to play together are anticipated.
Despite turning 40 in December, LeBron shows no signs of slowing down. He did not participate in the Lakers’ preseason opener against Minnesota but remained focused on his training and preparation for the season ahead.
LeBron and Bronny join a select group of fathers and sons who have played professionally in North America, including baseball legends Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr., and hockey great Gordie Howe with his sons, Marty and Mark.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press