LeBron James and his son Bronny etched their names in NBA history by becoming the first father-son duo to play together in an official game. This incredible moment unfolded on Tuesday night, marking the start of the 79th NBA season, as the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
“It’s family. It’s always been family over everything,” LeBron James reflected after the game, emphasizing the personal significance of this milestone.
The Jameses Share the Court for the First Time
LeBron James, entering his 22nd NBA season at age 39, started for the Lakers as expected. In the second quarter, with four minutes remaining, Bronny James made his official NBA debut, stepping onto the court alongside his father. Fans erupted in applause, capturing the moment on their phones as the two began their first official game together.
In the brief two-and-a-half minutes that Bronny played, he missed two shots but managed to grab a rebound. Despite the modest stat line, the night was historic. The Lakers went on to win the game 110-103, with LeBron contributing 16 points, while Anthony Davis dominated with 36 points and 16 rebounds.
A Father’s Words of Wisdom
Before stepping onto the court, LeBron shared advice with his son, caught on a TNT Sports microphone:
“You see the intensity, right? Just play carefree, though. Don’t worry about mistakes. Just go out and play hard.”
After the game, Bronny expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “Checking in for the first time, that’s a crazy moment I’ll never forget. I’m just extremely grateful,” he said, acknowledging the rare chance to learn alongside his legendary father.
LeBron, visibly proud, added, “I lost a lot of time because of this league, missing his things. … So to work alongside my son is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever gotten, and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”
Witnessing History with the Griffeys
Among the notable attendees were Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr., the first father-son duo to play together in MLB history. In 1990, they made their mark as teammates with the Seattle Mariners.
“We made history, now we get to watch history,” Griffey Jr. shared on The Road to Cooperstown podcast. The Griffeys posed for a photo with LeBron and Bronny before the game, commemorating another milestone in American sports history.
The Legacy of Multi-Generational Sports Families
This historic moment with LeBron and Bronny adds the Jameses to a short but prestigious list of father-son pairs in professional sports. The Raineses in MLB and the Howes in hockey achieved similar feats. In 2001, Tim Raines played alongside his son with the Baltimore Orioles. In the NHL, Gordy Howe shared the ice with sons Mark and Marty in the 1979-80 season for the Hartford Whalers.
From Court to Commercial: A Lighthearted Moment
The day wasn’t just about basketball. Hours before the game, LeBron shared a playful Nike ad on X in which he humorously “hazed” Bronny. The ad showcased their bond and lighthearted dynamic, adding a fun touch to their historic night.
A Night to Remember for the NBA and the James Family
The James family’s achievement marks a new chapter in NBA history, blending family, sports, and legacy. As LeBron noted, this opportunity is a rare and cherished gift: “He’s my lifeline, that’s for sure.”
With this game over, fans are left with excitement about what the future holds for the James duo. Will this be the first of many shared moments or a one-time historic occurrence? One thing is certain—the bond between father and son is as strong as ever.
