In a truly historic moment for the National Basketball Association, LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, shared the court for the first time as teammates. This long-awaited event took place during the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, officially making them the first father-son duo to play together in league history. The crowd’s cheers marked a special day for basketball, the James family, and sports fans everywhere.
A Dream Realized on the Hardwood
The moment everyone was waiting for came eight minutes into the second quarter. LeBron, a starter for the game, was joined on the court by his son Bronny, who checked in off the bench. The arena erupted in a standing ovation as the two shared their first official NBA minutes together.
Cameras captured an emotional exchange between father and son, with LeBron offering a few words of encouragement to Bronny just before they took their positions. For years, LeBron has openly spoken about his ultimate career goal of playing alongside his son in the NBA.
Seeing that dream become a reality was a powerful moment, not just for the James family, but for the entire sports world. While they had shared the court in preseason, this regular season debut cemented their place in the history books.
Bronny’s Difficult Path to the Pros
Despite being the son of an NBA icon, Bronny’s journey to this historic day was filled with significant obstacles. His path was far from guaranteed after a challenging freshman year at the University of Southern California (USC).
A major health scare delayed the start of his college career after he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Once he was cleared to play, his role with the Trojans was limited.
- He averaged just 4.8 points per game during his time at USC.
- The discovery of a congenital heart issue required a procedure and recovery time.
- He was selected by the Lakers late in the draft with the 55th overall pick.
These challenges meant Bronny entered the league under a microscope, with many questioning if he was ready for the NBA. However, the Lakers organization showed faith in him, setting the stage for this unprecedented family moment.
Joining an Exclusive Club in Professional Sports
With their debut, LeBron and Bronny James joined a very small and elite group of father-son duos who have competed together at the highest level of professional sports. This accomplishment is so rare that it has only been seen a handful of times in history. In attendance to witness the event were Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr., who famously played together for the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball.
Others, like hockey legend Gordie Howe and his sons, have created similar legacies in their respective sports. However, the James duo stands out because LeBron is not a player at the end of his career. He remains one of the Lakers’ most important players, competing at an elite level while his son begins his own journey.
What’s Next for Bronny in the NBA?
Now that the historic debut is complete, the focus shifts to Bronny’s future and his development as a player. He faces an uphill battle to create a lasting career and step out of his father’s legendary shadow. His performance in the NBA Summer League and preseason games showed that there is work to be done, as he shot below 33% from the field.
At 6-foot-4, Bronny does not have the unique size and physical dominance that has defined his father’s career. His game is built more on defense and outside shooting, skills he will need to refine to succeed in the league.
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’4” |
| College Average | 4.8 points per game |
| Preseason Shooting | 29.4% from field |
The Lakers have signed Bronny to a four-year contract, giving him time to grow. He will likely spend time developing his skills in the G League, but for now, he and his father can celebrate a moment that will be remembered forever in NBA history.
Frequently Asked Questions about LeBron and Bronny James
When did LeBron and Bronny James first play together in an NBA game?
LeBron and Bronny James first played together during the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking the first time a father and son have played in the same NBA game.
Are there other father-son duos who played together in professional sports?
Yes, while they are the first in the NBA, other famous duos include Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. in MLB and Gordie Howe and his sons Mark and Marty in the WHA and NHL.
What health issue did Bronny James have?
Bronny James was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect before his freshman year at USC. The condition required a medical procedure, which delayed the start of his college basketball season.
Where was Bronny James drafted?
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
What is Bronny James’ role expected to be with the Lakers?
Initially, Bronny is expected to be a developmental player for the Lakers. He has a four-year contract and may spend time in the G League to work on his skills and adjust to the professional level.
