LeBron James and his son Bronny etched their names in the record books as the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 110-103 season-opening victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The highly anticipated moment arrived with four minutes remaining in the first half when coach JJ Redick introduced the duo, prompting a thunderous roar from the sold-out (link unavailable) Arena crowd.
“It’s always been family over everything,” LeBron said alongside Bronny post-game. “I lost a lot of time because of this league, so to be able to have this moment where I am working still and I can work alongside my son, it’s one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever got from the man above, and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”
Notable spectators, Ken Griffey Sr and Ken Griffey Jr, who made similar history in Major League Baseball with the Seattle Mariners in 1990-1991, witnessed the historic moment.
Bronny, 20, played three minutes in the first half, missing two field-goal attempts and securing an offensive rebound. LeBron collected eight points and three boards in 17 minutes before the break, finishing with 16 points in 35 minutes.
“Going up to the scorers’ table and checking in for the first time was a crazy moment I will never forget,” Bronny reflected. “I’m just extremely grateful for everything. I was given an amazing opportunity to come into this league and get better every day and learn every day.”
The younger James joined the Lakers as a second-round draft pick from the University of Southern California in June. LeBron, 39, is the NBA’s all-time record point-scorer and a four-time NBA winner, now in his 22nd season. He recently signed a two-year deal with the Lakers following Bronny’s arrival.
