The Los Angeles Lakers, who have won 17 titles and are known for their lengthy history, achieved an important moment on Tuesday night. LeBron James and his son Bronny James played together in an NBA game for the first time in the league’s history.
In the Lakers’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron, 39, who is in his record-tying 22nd NBA season, was in the opening lineup. With four minutes remaining in the 2nd quarter, 20-year-old Bronny made his NBA debut by sitting down on the court alongside his father. To the delight of the excited audience, the two made their entrance together.
As history was made, the Crypto.com Arena crowd cheered, documenting the event with pictures and videos. LeBron and Bronny had a private conversation prior to the game, where LeBron’s words of support were captured on a TNT Sports microphone.
LeBron told Bronny to play carefree and enjoy the game’s intensity. He told his son to focus on giving it his all on the court rather than focusing on his mistakes.
Bronny played for roughly two and a half minutes during his brief debut, going 0–2 with one rebound but failing to score. Ultimately, the Lakers prevailed 110-103, and LeBron assisted with 16 points.
Anthony Davis, the forward-center for the Lakers, led all scorers with 36 points and took 16 rebounds in an outstanding play. In an interview with TNT Sports following the game, LeBron and Bronny discussed their feelings about the historic event.
“It’s family,” LeBron said, demonstrating the importance of family in both his personal and professional life. “Family has always been first in everything.” He thought back on the time he had lost because of his basketball commitment and was thankful for the chance to play with his son.
Bronny talked about how he felt during the game and recounted the strange moment when he checked in with his father for the first time. He shared his appreciation for the league opportunity and his desire to grow and learn.
LeBron ended the conversation by praising Bronny and referring to him as his “lifeline.” They had played together in a preseason game versus the Phoenix Suns previously in October, but Tuesday was their official record-breaking appearance.
Hall of Fame baseball star Ken Griffey Jr., who had already made history with his father, Ken Griffey Sr., as the first father-son team to play together in an MLB game in 1990, was one of the people who witnessed the momentous occasion. Griffey Jr. pointed out the importance of witnessing this new era in sports history.
A time capsule shot was taken to remember the fun times the Griffey and James families spent together on the court before to the game.
The Jameses seemed comfortable and relaxed during warm-ups, chatting happily as they practiced their shots. LeBron even posted a funny Nike commercial with Bronny just before the game, displaying their playful bond.
The Raines family in baseball and the illustrious Howe family in hockey are the only other multigenerational homes in major American sports history to achieve this accomplishment. Tim Raines shared the outfield with his son Tim Raines Jr. in 2001, and Gordy Howe played in the NHL with his sons Mark and Marty.
