LeBron James and his 20-year-old son, Bronny James, made history during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason clash against the Phoenix Suns on October 6, 2024, becoming the first father-son duo to play together on the same NBA team. This remarkable milestone unfolded at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California, much to the delight of fans witnessing this unexpected family moment.
The match held special significance not just for the historic achievement but also as it coincided with Bronny's birthday. Stepping onto the court together felt surreal for both players, with LeBron, the elder James at 39, expressing deep emotion over the significance of the moment. "For someone who didn't have a dad growing up, to be able to have the influence on your kids, and then to work with your son, it's one of the greatest things I could hope for," he noted.
Bronny entered the game at the start of the second quarter, fulfilling his long-held dream of playing alongside his father. Despite quickly acclimatising to this newfound closeness on the court, the initial moments were somewhat rocky, marked by turnovers from both players. Nonetheless, the anticipation was palpable as fans echoed cheers, underscoring the deep emotional connection brewing on the floor.
During their brief time on the court together, LeBron showcased once again why he remains one of the league's top performers, scoring 19 points, with five rebounds and four assists. Bronny, on the other hand, struggled to find his footing, finishing with zero points, two rebounds, and four turnovers over the course of 13 minutes. While the Lakers lost to the Suns 118-114, the significance of the moment for the James family overshadowed the game’s outcome.
For LeBron, who is entering his 22nd NBA season, playing alongside his son culminates a dream he has nurtured for years. He has publicly expressed the wish to see his sons take the court with him ever since Bronny was young. Their combined experience during this game created memories neither would soon forget, reinforcing bonds amid the competitive setting typical of the NBA.
Lakers' head coach JJ Redick shared his excitement about their unique situation, stating it reflects LeBron's impressive longevity and the hard work Bronny has dedicated to his craft. Redick noted, "I’m thrilled to be part of this, it’s historic. It speaks to LeBron's competitive stamina for him to still be doing this at this level, especially being able to play alongside his son."
Bronny’s path to the NBA has been full of twists and turns, most markedly when he suffered cardiac arrest during a practice at USC last year. His recovery was marked by determination, leading to his successful draft selection by the Lakers as the 55th overall pick. LeBron himself had experienced the challenges of growing up without much paternal support, and the ability to guide his son through these formative years is clearly cherished.
Bronny recalled the moment they took the court together as almost fantastical, emphatically stating, "It was like being in The Matrix or something. But it was great to have those moments together."
Despite Bronny's mixed performance, both he and his father recognise the challenge of balancing familial ties with professional responsibilities on the court. They have shared multiple scrimmages during training, keeping Bronny grounded amid expectations surrounding his debut. The balance tips toward familial love—something LeBron insists is more important than performing as teammates.
"I just tell him to keep getting stronger and learning from every play he makes out there," added LeBron after the game. The stakes will only rise as they prepare for the regular season to kick off on October 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Bronny expected to mostly hone his skills with the South Bay Lakers of the G League, fans are eager for more opportunities to see LeBron and Bronny play together.
This monumental moment places the James family among the rare father-son pairs who have played professionally together across North American sports. Only time will tell what the future holds for them on the court—but fans are hopeful for what is yet to come. LeBron has also expressed the hope to continue playing alongside Bronny for as many seasons as possible, not just for himself but for Bronny’s future development as well. "We have so many moments left to share. I can’t wait for more," he said, hinting at their collective aspirations as they step forward together.
