LeBron James and Bronny James made history on Tuesday night by becoming the first father and son duo to play together in the NBA during the Los Angeles Lakers season opener.
Basketball legend LeBron James and his son Bronny James made history on Tuesday night as the first father-son duo to compete together in the league. The home crowd of the Los Angeles Lakers erupted when both players checked into the game at the same time with just four minutes remaining in the second quarter marking a significant milestone not only for the Lakers but for basketball overall.
LeBron already recognized as the NBA all-time leading scorer and one of the greatest players in the history of the sport started the game and played 13 minutes before joining forces with his 20 years old son. Bronny a second round draft pick by the Lakers in the 2023 NBA Draft found himself in the spotlight sharing the court with his legendary father in a moment they had both envisioned for years.
TNT cameras captured LeBron giving his son advice on the bench before they stepped onto the court together. Y’all ready? You see the intensity right? Just play carefree though LeBron told Bronny encouraging him to focus on effort rather than the pressure of the moment.
During the two and half minutes they played together on the court LeBron missed two perimeter shots before completing a powerful dunk while Bronny secured an early rebound but missed a tip in attempt. His first NBA jump shot a 3 pointer fell just short yet his presence elicited another loud ovation from the fans when he was substituted out with 1:19 left in the second quarter.
Although Bronny did not return to the game the Lakers secured a 110-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. LeBron who finished with 16 points participated in an on court interview with his son before they exited the arena stopping in the tunnel to embrace LeBron wife and Bronny mother Savannah James in an emotional moment for the family.
Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. the first father-son duo to play together in Major League Baseball were present at the Lakers game witnessing history repeat itself in a different sport. The Griffey played 51 games together with the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and 1991 even hitting home runs in the same game. Before tip off the James family and the Griffey shared warm moments and took photos during pregame warmups.
LeBron now starting his record tying 22nd NBA season first expressed his dream of playing alongside his eldest son a few years ago when Bronny was still in high school. That dream came closer to fruition after Bronny played one season at USC and was drafted by the Lakers. It’s been a treat LeBron said earlier on Tuesday. In preseason the practices just every day… bringing him up to speed on what this professional life is all about.
