LeBron James and his son Bronny made NBA history by becoming the first father-son duo to play together in a regular-season game during the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener on Tuesday, October 22, against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In front of a sold-out crowd, cheers erupted as 20-year-old Bronny joined his father, LeBron, on the court with four minutes left in the first half.
While Bronny, like many rookies, isn’t expected to see significant minutes this season, he managed to grab a rebound in his three minutes of play. LeBron, meanwhile, contributed 16 points, helping the Lakers secure a 110-103 victory.
Reflecting on the moment, LeBron said, “It’s always been family over everything. I lost a lot of time because of this league, so to be able to have this moment where I am still working and I can work alongside my son is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received. I’m going to take full advantage of it.”
This achievement marks the first time a father and son have played not only in the same NBA season but also on the same team. The pair previously shared the court during a preseason game earlier in October.
LeBron, now 39, had long expressed a desire to play alongside Bronny, a guard who was drafted 55th overall in June after one season at the University of Southern California.
LeBron, who holds the title of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and boasts four championships and three Olympic gold medals, is currently in his 22nd NBA season. While he has yet to announce when he will retire, this milestone with his son adds to his illustrious career.
For Bronny, this game was the start of what he hopes will be his own successful NBA journey. “Going up to the scorer’s table and checking in for the first time was a crazy moment I will never forget,” he said. “I’m just extremely grateful for everything. I was given an amazing opportunity to come into this league, get better every day, and learn every day.”
LeBron, always proud of his son, emphasizes the importance of gratitude and hard work. “This isn’t promised—playing in this beautiful league. There are only 450 of us, and it’s not given; you have to earn it. Bronny knows that and looks forward to improving every day to become the player he aspires to be,” he said.
“I’m super proud of him. He’s my lifeline, that’s for sure,” LeBron added.
