LeBron James and Son Bronny Make NBA History
The 2024-2025 NBA season kicked off with intense action, but the real spotlight was on a historic moment — LeBron James and his son Bronny James stepping onto the court together for the first time in Los Angeles Lakers colors.
This groundbreaking event marks the first time in NBA history that a father-son duo has played in the same game. In the preseason matchup against the Phoenix Suns on October 7, head coach JJ Redick made headlines by subbing Bronny in at the start of the second quarter, joining his legendary father, LeBron, who was part of the starting lineup.
Bronny’s Early NBA Journey
At just 20 years old, Bronny could have continued his collegiate career with the USC Trojans, but he opted to turn professional early after being selected by the Lakers in the second round, 55th overall, of the 2024 NBA Draft. LeBron’s dream of playing alongside his son finally became a reality, a sentiment he had voiced for years, even stating he would move to any team that picked Bronny.
Preseason Struggles and Highlights
However, Bronny’s preseason performance has raised some questions. In a recent game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he scored only 2 points in 16 minutes, struggling with a low shooting percentage. On the upside, his defense shone with 3 crucial blocks. In the game against the Suns, Bronny played 13 minutes but didn’t score, while LeBron led the game with 19 points in 16 minutes. Despite their combined efforts, the Lakers lost the game 114-118.
Future Prospects for Bronny
Experts believe Bronny may face challenges securing a regular spot in the Lakers’ main rotation this season. South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ NBA G-League affiliate, might offer him more opportunities to develop his game and gain valuable experience before making a lasting mark in the NBA.
The father-son collaboration between LeBron and Bronny James represents a monumental moment in NBA history, symbolizing not only LeBron’s enduring greatness but also the promising future of his son. While Bronny has some hurdles ahead, the prospect of his growth in the professional league adds excitement to an already thrilling NBA season.
