LeBron and Bronny James Make NBA History as First Father-Son Duo

The history of the LA Lakers is commonly recognized only as the Lakers. Is indeed one of the oldest teams in the NBA. It is outstanding thanks to its achievements, including 17 championship titles. On Tuesday night, they created NBA history as LeBron and Bronny James became the first father and son to play in the NBA.

LeBron, 39, was starting for the Lakers as he continues to suit up for his record-tying 22nd season. Bronny, a 20-year-old, made his professional debut in the NBA and got to share the court with his father, LeBron and Bronny James, for the last 4 minutes of the second quarter. The people cheered as if they were welcoming them into the arena for the first time. And it was finally happening now that they were inside the game.

Lakers fans at Crypto Arena clapped hands and filmed with their phones as history unfolded on the NBA’s 79th season opening. Before going onto the floor for his meaningful performance. LeBron spared some time to encourage Bronny, who also wore the No.7 jersey. A microphone from TNT Sports captured this conversation.

He told Bronny, You see the intensity, right? Just play carefree though. Don’t worry about mistakes. Just go out and play hard. This exchange highlighted the special bond between the two as they made history together on the court.

Bronny James has only participated in his first NBA game and went on for a little under three minutes. At that time he did not shoot but attempted two shots, both of which were missing. But he was able to take a rebound. The Los Angeles Lakers overcame the Minnesota Timberwolves and won 110-103. LeBron James scored 16 points in the win, and Anthony Davis put up 36 points and grabbed 16 boards.

After the game, LeBron and Bronny shared their thoughts about the historic moment with TNT Sports. LeBron expressed how important the milestone was for their family, saying, It’s family. It’s always been family over everything.

He reflected on how his basketball commitments sometimes kept him away from family events, making this experience even more special. He felt grateful to work alongside his son in the NBA, calling it one of the greatest gifts.

Bronny described the feeling of checking into the game with his father as blaffing and a moment he would never forget. He said, I’m just extremely grateful for the opportunity to improve and learn in the league. LeBron, smiling, added, I’m super proud of him, and he’s my lifeline, that’s for sure.

Earlier in October, the James duo had played together in a preseason game against the Phoenix Suns, but Tuesday’s game was their official record in the NBA. Among those watching were baseball legends Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr., who were the first father-son duo to play in the same MLB game in 1990.

Griffey Jr. said it was special to witness this historic moment. Before the game, the Jameses and Griffeys shared laughs and took a time capsule photo together. During warm-ups, LeBron and Bronny enjoyed their time on the court, showing their excitement and joy before the game.

The only other multi-generational households to achieve this milestone in major American sports are the Raines family in baseball and the famous Howe family in hockey.

During the 1979-80 season, Gordy Howe wore the Hartford Whalers jersey and joined his two sons, Mark and Marty, in playing the NHL games. Likewise, in 2001, Tim Raines was an outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles together with his son, Tim Raines Jr.