LeBron and Bronny James make history as the first father and son to play in the same NBA game
The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic franchises in sports history with 17 championships, witnessed another historic moment on Tuesday night in Los Angeles. Lakers star LeBron James and his son Bronny made NBA history as the first father-son duo to play together in a regular-season game.
LeBron, 39, in his record-tying 22nd NBA season, was in the starting lineup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His 20-year-old son Bronny, making his NBA debut, joined him on the court with four minutes left in the second quarter. The two subbed in together to a roaring ovation from fans at Crypto.com Arena, marking a milestone on the opening night of the NBA's 79th season.
Before they stepped onto the court, LeBron offered Bronny some advice, caught by a TNT Sports microphone: “You see the intensity, right? Just play carefree though. Don’t worry about mistakes. Just go out and play hard.”
Bronny played two and a half minutes in his debut, missing both of his shots but grabbing a rebound. The Lakers went on to win 110-103, with LeBron contributing 16 points, while Anthony Davis led all scorers with 36 points and 16 rebounds.
After the game, LeBron reflected on the significance of the moment, telling TNT Sports: “It’s family. It’s always been family over everything. I’ve missed a lot because of this league, so being able to share this moment with my son is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.”
Bronny described the experience as surreal: “Checking in for the first time, that’s a crazy moment I’ll never forget. I’m just extremely grateful.”
Earlier in October, the father-son duo shared the court during a preseason game against the Phoenix Suns, but Tuesday's game made their historic appearance official in the NBA record books.
Among those present for the occasion was Hall of Fame baseball player Ken Griffey Jr., who, alongside his father Ken Griffey Sr., became the first father-son duo to play in the same MLB game in 1990. The Griffeys shared a time-capsule photo with the Jameses before the game, celebrating the historic moment.
“It’s a big deal for my dad and I to be here,” Griffey Jr. said. “We made history, and now we get to watch history.”
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