LeBron and Bronny James Make NBA History as First Father-Son Duo to Play Together
In a historic moment for the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers saw LeBron James and his son Bronny James make league history by becoming the first father-son duo to play together in an official NBA game. This unforgettable event took place on Tuesday night, during the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
LeBron, at 39 years old and playing in his 22nd NBA season, was part of the Lakers’ starting lineup. As the game progressed, Bronny, a 20-year-old rookie making his NBA debut, entered the court alongside his father with just four minutes remaining in the second quarter. The arena erupted in applause as the two shared this milestone, marking a moment that will forever be etched in basketball history.
Father-Son Legacy in the NBA
As LeBron and Bronny entered the court together, it wasn’t just a game – it was the beginning of a new chapter in NBA history. Fans captured the moment with photos and videos as the James duo embodied the pinnacle of family legacy in professional sports. Before stepping into the game, LeBron shared some fatherly wisdom with Bronny, captured by TNT Sports. “Just play carefree… don’t worry about mistakes. Just go out and play hard,” LeBron encouraged, reinforcing a message of confidence and freedom on the court.
Though Bronny’s time on the court was brief, playing just two and a half minutes and missing his two shot attempts, it was more about the historic presence than his performance. LeBron, ever the proud father, finished the game with 16 points, helping the Lakers secure a 110-103 win. Teammate Anthony Davis had an outstanding performance, leading the team with 36 points and 16 rebounds.
Reflecting on a Special Milestone
After the game, LeBron expressed his emotions in an interview with TNT Sports, emphasizing how much the moment meant to him. “It’s family. It’s always been family over everything,” LeBron said, reflecting on the significance of being able to share this milestone with his son. He went on to mention how his NBA career had often taken him away from important family moments, but now, having the opportunity to play alongside Bronny was a dream come true. “One of the greatest gifts I’ve ever gotten,” he added.
Bronny also shared his excitement. “Checking in for the first time, that’s a crazy moment I’ll never forget,” he said, grateful for the opportunity to enter the NBA and learn alongside his father. LeBron, beaming with pride, wrapped up the interview by saying, “I’m super proud of him, and he’s my lifeline.”
A Historic Tradition Across Sports
The father-son bond between LeBron and Bronny on the basketball court joins an elite group of multi-generational sports families. Among them is the iconic baseball duo of Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr., who made MLB history when they played together for the Seattle Mariners in 1990. The Griffeys were present at the Lakers game to witness the Jameses’ history-making moment, reflecting on their own experience. “We made history, now we get to watch history,” Griffey Jr. said.
Another example of such a legacy includes the Howe family in hockey, with Gordy Howe and his sons playing together in NHL games for the Hartford Whalers in the 1979-80 season.
Looking Ahead: The James Legacy Continues
LeBron and Bronny James have set a new standard in the NBA, one that combines talent, family, and history in a way that has rarely been seen in professional sports. As the Lakers’ season progresses, fans and basketball historians alike will continue to marvel at this incredible achievement, eagerly watching to see what the future holds for this legendary father-son duo.
