LeBron James and his son Bronny made history on Tuesday, becoming the first father-son duo to play alongside each other in an NBA regular season game.
The Los Angeles Lakers opened their campaign against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the James duo took to the court together late in the second quarter.
The Lakers were leading 51-35 at the Arena when coach J.J. Redick brought LeBron and Bronny onto the court.
The home crowd erupted in cheers, witnessing a momentous occasion that will be etched in NBA history.
This historic moment was witnessed by baseball legends Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., who also made history playing together for the Seattle Mariners in 1990-1991.
Griffey Jr. joined his father to pose for photos with LeBron and Bronny James shortly before Tuesday’s tip-off.
Griffey Jr. expressed his excitement, saying,
“We made history; now we get to watch history.”
The Lakers’ organization had been coy about when LeBron and Bronny would play their first regular season fixture together.
Read Also: LeBron, Bronny James Become First Father-Son Duo in NBA
LeBron James, who turns 40 in December, admitted he could not contain his excitement about sharing the court with his son.
“Just to run out the tunnel knowing that he’ll be in uniform, run out the tunnel with him, see him warm up, and be out there with the rest of my teammates,” James said.
James emphasized the significance of this moment, saying, “This is my 22nd time running out on opening night, so I don’t know how many times I’ll have an opportunity, how many times I’ve got left to run out. I won’t take it for granted.”
Cyber Reporters gathered that Bronny James, 20, was drafted by the Lakers with the 55th pick in June.
Although he is expected to spend most of his rookie season in the developmental G-League, LeBron James has cherished every moment of their journey together.
LeBron James has relished being able to accompany his son on his first steps into professional basketball.
“It’s been a treat and just in preseason, the practices, just every day,” James said.
Bronny’s ascent to the NBA is all the more remarkable given his recovery from a cardiac arrest during a college workout last year.
LeBron James credited his son’s resilience, saying,
“To see him play in a college Division I game the same year he had heart surgery… I knew that at that moment that there really was going to be nothing to stop him from anything that he wants to do.”
Bronny James has used criticism about his Lakers roster spot to fuel his determination.
“I’m just taking all that stuff, that criticism and backlash that people have given me and turning it into something that can fuel me,” he said.
The James duo’s historic moment marks a new chapter in their basketball journey, inspiring fans and cementing their place in NBA history.
As they continue to make strides together, their bond and dedication to the sport will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
The Lakers’ organization and fans alike are eager to see how the season unfolds for LeBron and Bronny James, as they navigate this unprecedented chapter in NBA history.
