Father-Son Duo Share the Court for the First Time
In a momentous event for the basketball world, LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, made NBA history by playing together for the first time during the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. The game, held at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California, saw the James duo become the first father and son to play on the same team at the same time in any NBA game, even a preseason one.
A Milestone for the James Family
Bronny James, who turned 20 on the same day, entered the game in the second quarter while his legendary father, preparing for his 22nd NBA season, was already on the court. The moment Bronny stepped onto the hardwood was met with a roar of applause from the fans, marking a rare and emotional milestone in sports history.
Although Bronny faced some early challenges, committing two turnovers in his first two minutes on the court, the experience was surreal for both players. At one point, LeBron passed the ball to his son and set a screen for him, though Bronny missed a three-point attempt later in the quarter.
Reflecting on the experience, LeBron took to social media platform X, calling the moment “surreal,” and likened the feeling to something out of “The Matrix.” He added, “It just didn’t feel real, but it was great to have those moments.”
Game Performance
LeBron, who will turn 40 in December, played 16 minutes and posted impressive stats, scoring 19 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out four assists. Meanwhile, Bronny remained scoreless in his 13 minutes of play but contributed two rebounds. The Lakers ultimately lost the game 118-114 to the Suns.
This game followed Bronny’s professional debut just two days earlier, where he played against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In that game, he went 1-for-6 from the field, notching three blocks, while LeBron sat out. Bronny was selected 55th overall by the Lakers in this year’s NBA Draft after spending a season at the University of Southern California.
A Promising Future Despite Early Setbacks
Bronny’s journey to the NBA has not been without its challenges. Earlier in 2023, during a workout at USC, he suffered a cardiac arrest, raising concerns about his future in basketball. However, after receiving medical clearance, he returned to the game, displaying resilience and determination. At USC, Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 25 games.
LeBron, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and a four-time champion, has expressed excitement over the opportunity to share the court with his son. Now entering his 22nd season, he remains a dominant force in the league. The father-son duo’s first shared moments on the court were a unique experience, and fans are eager to see how their dynamic evolves as the season progresses.
NBA Season Around the Corner
The 2024-25 NBA season kicks off on October 22nd, with the Lakers facing off against the Minnesota Timberwolves. As Bronny continues to adjust to the professional game, the basketball world will be watching closely. Could the next chapter of the James legacy be even more impressive?
For fans interested in basketball action beyond the court, online basketball betting is gaining popularity, offering an exciting way to engage with the sport. From pre-season predictions to in-game bets, enthusiasts can now place wagers on their favorite players and teams, adding an extra layer of thrill to the upcoming season.