In a historic NBA moment, LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, made history as the first father-son duo to play together in the league during the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener on October 22, 2024. The Lakers’ 110-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Crypto.com Arena will be remembered not just for the win, but for this monumental milestone.
LeBron, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, and Bronny, the Lakers’ second-round pick from the 2024 NBA Draft, shared the court for a brief but unforgettable two-and-a-half minutes, marking a new chapter in basketball history.
The Historic Moment: Father and Son on the Court Together
The historic moment came in the second quarter of the game when LeBron and Bronny checked into the game simultaneously with four minutes left. The home crowd, fully aware of the significance, erupted in applause and cheers. LeBron, having already played 13 minutes by that point, took a brief moment to encourage his son before they hit the court.
“Y’all ready? You see the intensity, right? Just play carefree, though,” LeBron was overheard telling Bronny on the bench before their big moment. “Don’t worry about mistakes. Just go out and play hard.”
LeBron James.
Bronny James.The first father-son duo to play together in the NBA! pic.twitter.com/naadFLoPmh
— NBA (@NBA) October 23, 2024
The pair played side-by-side for two-and-a-half minutes, with LeBron attempting two perimeter shots before completing a dunk, while Bronny grabbed an early rebound and missed a tip-in. Although Bronny’s first NBA shot — a three-pointer — came up short, the experience of playing alongside his father was undoubtedly a monumental achievement for both of them.
Bronny, after his brief time on the court, checked out of the game with just over a minute left in the second quarter, receiving another ovation from the crowd. He didn’t play again in the game, but his presence and contribution were felt throughout the arena.
A Dream Realized: LeBron and Bronny James in the NBA
LeBron James has long dreamed of playing alongside his son in the NBA. This vision became a reality as Bronny declared for the 2024 NBA Draft after one season of collegiate basketball. Selected 55th overall by the Lakers, Bronny’s path to the NBA has been highly anticipated since his high school days, and now, the James family has made history.
LeBron had spoken about this aspiration years ago while Bronny was still in high school, expressing his desire to extend his career long enough to share the court with his son. That goal was realized during the 2024 season opener, marking a personal and professional triumph for the four-time NBA champion.
How It Felt: A Father’s Pride
LeBron reflected on the experience before the season opener, sharing how much it meant to him. “It has been a treat,” LeBron said about playing alongside Bronny. “In pre-season, the practices, just every day … bringing him up to speed on what this professional life is all about, and how to prepare every day as a professional.”
LeBron’s journey from a rookie in 2003 to becoming one of the greatest players in basketball history has been widely documented, but this moment with his son adds another layer to his legendary career. After the game, father and son embraced near the tunnel, where they met up with LeBron’s wife, Savannah, and posed for a post-game interview — a proud moment for the James family.
“It’s always been family over everything” – LeBron
“That’s a crazy moment I’ll never forget” – Bronny pic.twitter.com/ESeJ2lrf1M
— NBA (@NBA) October 23, 2024
A Family Affair: Echoes of History
The James family wasn’t the only father-son duo in the spotlight that evening. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., the first father-son duo to play together in Major League Baseball, were courtside to witness the historic NBA moment. The Griffeys played 51 games together for the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and 1991, making baseball history just like LeBron and Bronny have now done in basketball.
During pre-game warm-ups, the Griffeys met up with the Jameses for a chat and some photos, creating a touching scene between two families who have achieved the rare feat of playing together professionally.
Bronny’s NBA Journey: What Comes Next?
While Bronny’s NBA debut alongside his father was a significant milestone, the 20-year-old guard’s future with the Lakers remains uncertain. The Lakers’ roster is filled with established point guards, including D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino, which could limit Bronny’s minutes and opportunities in the near future.
LeBron and Lakers head coach JJ Redick have both spoken highly of the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G League affiliate, as a potential option for Bronny. Playing in the G League would allow Bronny to develop his skills and gain valuable playing time, with the aim of eventually securing a larger role on the Lakers’ NBA roster.
For now, the focus is on nurturing Bronny’s growth as a professional. “It’s a process,” LeBron explained before the season. “He’s got so much talent, and I’m just here to help him learn what it takes to succeed at this level.”
The Lakers’ Season Opener: A Solid Start
While the spotlight was on the James duo, the Lakers secured an important victory in their season opener. LeBron contributed 16 points, while Anthony Davis dominated with 36 points and 16 rebounds, leading the Lakers to a 110-103 win over the Timberwolves. Rui Hachimura also chipped in with 18 points, and the Lakers celebrated JJ Redick’s coaching debut with a win.
Bronny may have had limited minutes in this first game, but the significance of his debut alongside his father will be remembered as a defining moment of the 2024 NBA season.
A Father-Son Legacy in the Making
LeBron James’ legacy in the NBA is already cemented, but the addition of playing alongside his son in a regular-season game only enhances his storied career. For Bronny, this is just the beginning of his journey. While his future in the NBA remains open, the historic moment of sharing the court with his father is something that will be celebrated for generations.
The James family has created history, and fans around the world will be watching Bronny’s progress closely as he carves out his own path in professional basketball. Whether he stays with the Lakers or spends time developing in the G League, Bronny James has already made an indelible mark on the sport alongside his legendary father.
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