LeBron and Bronny James Make NBA History as First Father-Son Duo

LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has always cherished his role as a father, seeking to provide experiences for his children that he never had growing up without a father. On Sunday night, he achieved a milestone that went beyond basketball, sharing the court with his eldest son, Bronny James, in an NBA game for the first time.

This historic moment took place during the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason game against the Phoenix Suns, where LeBron and Bronny became the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game. They shared the court for just over four minutes in the second quarter.

A Family Dream Comes True

For LeBron, this moment represented far more than just a basketball achievement. It was the fulfillment of a family dream. “It’s pretty cool for the both of us, and especially for our family,” LeBron said. “It’s definitely a moment that I will never forget.”

The timing was particularly special, as the historic occasion happened on Bronny’s 20th birthday. LeBron has long talked about his desire to play alongside his son, expressing his hopes since Bronny’s high school days. The first time on the court together in uniform was a surreal experience for the four-time NBA champion. “For a father, it means everything,” LeBron reflected. “To be able to have moments with your son—and the ultimate, to be able to work with your son—that’s one of the greatest things a father could ever hope for.”

Bronny’s Calm Debut

Bronny entered the game at the beginning of the second quarter, joining his father at Acrisure Arena. Despite being told by coach JJ Redick that he would play alongside LeBron, Bronny maintained his usual composure. “I was pretty psyched for that,” Bronny admitted.

Though Bronny is less vocal about the situation than LeBron, he is learning to navigate the on-court relationship with his father. LeBron has made it clear that Bronny can’t call him “Dad” during games. “When I’m playing, he’s just my teammate,” Bronny explained.

Their first minutes together weren’t flawless—Bronny committed two turnovers, and LeBron made another in the opening minutes of their time on the court. LeBron later hit a 3-pointer, followed by a screen for Bronny’s 3-point attempt, which unfortunately missed. “I was really hoping that wing 3 would have gone in,” Redick said with a smile. “That would have been a cool moment. But they’ll have plenty more moments together.”

Bronny exited the game after just over four minutes, with LeBron following shortly after. LeBron had 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 16 minutes, watching the second half from the bench alongside Anthony Davis. Bronny played nine minutes in the second half but did not score.

Looking Ahead: The James Legacy Continues

Despite the Lakers’ 118-114 loss to the Suns, the night was a personal victory for LeBron and his family. As LeBron begins his record-tying 22nd NBA season, Bronny is poised to spend much of the season developing his skills with the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G League affiliate.

LeBron, now 39 years old, has shown no signs of slowing down as he approaches his 40th birthday this December. While Bronny was the Lakers’ second-round draft pick this summer, his basketball journey is only beginning. After recovering from a cardiac arrest over a year ago, Bronny played just one season at the University of Southern California before declaring for the NBA draft.

Coach Redick made it clear that this father-son pairing wasn’t a “gimmick.” “I’m thrilled that I get to be a part of this,” Redick said. “It speaks to LeBron’s longevity, but also the work Bronny has put in to get to this point.”

The Road to Future Milestones

As the regular season begins on October 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron and Bronny are expected to create more special moments together. This father-son duo joins the ranks of rare professional sports families, like Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., who played together in Major League Baseball, and hockey legend Gordie Howe, who played alongside his sons Marty and Mark in the WHA and NHL.

LeBron and Bronny’s bond goes beyond the basketball court. They have been preparing for this moment for years, scrimmaging together both as teammates and opponents at the Lakers’ training facility. This shared experience is another chapter in the remarkable story of LeBron James, as he continues to defy the limits of age and time while ensuring his family’s legacy remains strong both on and off the court.

The games that count are just beginning, and for LeBron and Bronny, the best moments are yet to come.