Lebron, Bronny James create NBA history as 1st father-son duo to play together

LeBron James and his son Bronny created NBA history as they became the 1st father-son duo to play a match together. LeBron and his son created the historic moment when they stepped out on court for the pre-season game between LA Lakers and Phoenix Suns.

In Short

• Bronny was draft pick No.55 in the NBA 2024 draft
• Bronny was substituted after playing just over four minutes
• LeBron had expressed his dream of playing together with one of his sons in NBA

LeBron James and his son, Bronny, made NBA history on Sunday night by playing together for the first time during a preseason game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns. This marked the first time a father and son have played simultaneously in an NBA game, let alone for the same team. The moment was made even more special as it coincided with Bronny’s 20th birthday.

Bronny James entered the game at the start of the second quarter, joining his father on the court. The crowd at Acrisure Arena in Coachella Valley erupted in cheers when Bronny's name was announced. However, the initial minutes weren't without challenges—Bronny committed two turnovers, and LeBron followed with one of his own. LeBron then made a 3-pointer, and moments later set a screen for Bronny, though Bronny missed his 3-point attempt. Bronny was substituted after playing just over four minutes, and LeBron followed shortly after.

LeBron, beginning his 22nd season in the NBA at age 39, has long expressed a dream of sharing the court with one of his sons. This dream became a reality after the Lakers selected Bronny with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Bronny, who spent one season at the University of Southern California before declaring for the draft, has had a remarkable journey, especially after recovering from a cardiac arrest over a year ago. Although he is expected to spend much of his rookie season developing with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, it's anticipated that he will play alongside his father in a regular-season game soon.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed that the team has already discussed plans for their next father-son moment, though no specific date has been set. LeBron had rested during the Lakers’ first preseason game against the Timberwolves, but Bronny played 16 minutes, scoring two points and recording three blocks.

LeBron, who became a father at 19, had long hoped to play in the NBA with one of his children. His family includes his high school sweetheart, Savannah, and their three children: Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri. The James family has worked toward this historic moment for years, scrimmaging together during Lakers' workouts.

This rare occurrence mirrors other iconic father-son duos in North American sports. In baseball, Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played together for the Seattle Mariners in the early 1990s, and hockey legend Gordie Howe shared the ice with his sons Marty and Mark for the WHA’s Houston Aeros and the NHL’s Hartford Whalers.