LeBron and Bronny James Make NBA History in Preseason Game
In an extraordinary moment for basketball, LeBron James and his son Bronny James made history on October 6, 2024, by becoming the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game. The milestone occurred during a preseason matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California. The game, which ended in a narrow defeat for the Lakers (118-114), marked a significant personal achievement for the James family, especially as it coincided with Bronny's 20th birthday.
LeBron, who scored 19 points in just 16 minutes of play, expressed his joy about sharing the court with his son. "It was unreal. I still have to get used to it but it was cool for both of us and especially for our family. It's a moment I'll never forget," he said. For Bronny, who finished the game with zero points and four turnovers in 13 minutes, the experience was equally special. He described the moment as a blend of excitement and normalcy, stating, "Just trying to live in the moment and do my job and find my role."
A Legacy of Hard Work and Dedication
The historic game comes after a challenging year for Bronny, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a training session in July 2023. His recovery and subsequent drafting as the 55th overall pick by the Lakers in June 2024 are testaments to his resilience and dedication to the sport. LeBron emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and hard work, noting that Bronny's journey is just beginning. "For someone who didn’t have a father growing up, to be able to have that influence on your kids is one of the best things a parent could ever hope for," he remarked.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick also acknowledged the significance of the moment, stating, "I feel very honored to be a part of this history." The Lakers have four more preseason games lined up before officially starting their 2024-2025 NBA season against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22, 2024.
