LeBron James and his son Bronny made history as the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game during the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener on Tuesday night. With just four minutes left in the second quarter, the two checked into the game, much to the delight of the home crowd that recognized the significance of the moment. LeBron, who had already been on the court for 13 minutes, stepped aside briefly before teaming up with his 20-year-old son.
LeBron, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer at 39 years old, shared the court with Bronny, a second-round pick by the Lakers in this year’s draft. The duo’s achievement is particularly remarkable as they are the first father and son to compete in the world’s premier basketball league simultaneously, let alone on the same team.
Before entering the game, LeBron offered supportive advice to Bronny while sitting on the bench: “Y’all ready? You see the intensity, right? Just play carefree, though. Don’t worry about mistakes. Just go out and play hard.”
The pair logged just under three minutes on the floor together. LeBron missed a couple of perimeter shots but capped off their time with a dunk. Bronny had an early rebound and attempted his first NBA jump shot—a three-pointer that fell short—before leaving the game with 1:19 left in the second quarter to another round of applause.
Notably, Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr., who made history in Major League Baseball as the first father-son duo to play together in the late 1980s, were courtside to witness the historic moment for basketball. The two families connected during pregame warmups, sharing photos and stories.
LeBron had envisioned sharing the court with Bronny for years, a dream that began when his son was still in high school. This dream came to fruition after Bronny declared for the draft, following a year at the University of Southern California, and the Lakers selected him with the 55th overall pick.
Throughout sports history, few fathers and sons have had the opportunity to compete together professionally. While the Griffeys made their mark in the early ’90s, other notable pairings include Tim Raines and his son with the Baltimore Orioles in 2001, and Gordie Howe who played alongside his sons in the WHA and NHL during his lengthy career.
What sets the Jameses apart is that LeBron, still playing at an elite level, shows no signs of slowing down as he enters his record-tying 22nd season. Last season, he averaged more than 25 points per game, solidifying his status as a key player for the Lakers as they strive to reclaim their championship form.
Bronny faced significant health challenges in 2023, including cardiac arrest and open-heart surgery, but he bounced back to participate in the summer league, showcasing his resilience. Despite stiff competition in the Lakers’ point guard lineup, both LeBron and head coach JJ Redick have emphasized the importance of player development and are committed to integrating Bronny into their plans for the season.
As for LeBron’s experience, he reflected on their time together during the morning shootaround prior to the game, stating, “It’s been a treat… bringing him up to speed on what this professional life is all about.”
Despite the challenges and expectations ahead, this historic father-son moment is a testament to both their dedication to the sport and the unprecedented family legacy being created on the court. Kevin Love, who has known the James family for years, described witnessing the duo as “an unbelievable moment,” illustrating the emotional significance of family ties in sports, especially when marked by an exceptional legacy.
