In a preseason game vs. the Phoenix Suns (118-114 loss), Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and his oldest child Bronny became the first father-son duo to play in an NBA basketball game together.
That is to say, at the start of the second quarter, the son of the world's all-time leading scorer, Bronny James, checked into the game and was greeted with cheers from the crowd.
LeBron James. Bronny James.
The father-son duo share the court for the first time together! 👏 pic.twitter.com/93hC7k64gK
— NBA (@NBA) October 7, 2024
The play of the game came when LeBron, entering into his 22nd year in the league, made a highlight reel dunk, and Bronny was seen standing up and clapping for his dad.
Bronny was HYPED after this dunk from LeBron James 🔥pic.twitter.com/j1AovFoTo8
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 7, 2024
Then when Bronny was on the floor, LeBron couldn't help showing off his father-figure side, as he was seen sticking up for his son after he received an offensive foul for setting an illegal screen.
LeBron tryna plead with the ref after Bronny got called for an illegal screen 🤣
(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/pi2PSOUhQJ
— Overtime (@overtime) October 7, 2024
After the game Bronny was asked by reporters if he views LeBron as a teammate or his dad while on the court, and he simply responded with the only logical answer, "I'm always thinking about, 'that's my dad' because that's literally my dad."
Bronny James with a hilariously true response when asked if he thinks about LeBron as “his dad” or “his teammate” on the floor:
“I’m always thinking about, ‘That’s my Dad’ because that’s literally my dad.“ 😂 pic.twitter.com/SOZod3cRJA
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) October 7, 2024
All in all, it was a special night for 39-year-old LeBron and Bronny, who actually was celebrating his 20th birthday.
LeBron on getting to play with Bronny on his birthday:
“For someone who didn’t have that growing up, to be able to have that influence on… your son, it’s one of the greatest things you could ever hope for or wish for.”
(via @swishcultures_, h/t @LoJoMedia) pic.twitter.com/fzwI2Hwcl5
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 7, 2024
LeBron on playing with Bronny: "We stood next to each other, I kind of looked at him and was like this is the Matrix or something. It just didn't feel real." pic.twitter.com/7ZUeauDKS5
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 7, 2024
In view of how the James duo performed in their debut playing together, James Sr. had 19 points (66.7% FG), five rebounds, four assists, to go with two blocks and four turnovers, giving him a +/- of +9 in his 16 minutes on the floor.
While on the other hand, James Jr. had 0 points (0-for-1), two rebounds, four turnovers and a +/- of -14 during his 11 minutes in the game.
Bronny and LeBron tonight pic.twitter.com/lOhRSqPdXz
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 7, 2024
In regards to the criticism that Bronny has faced, ever since being drafted with the No. 55 pick in this year's NBA Draft, LeBron previously took to Instagram to defend his son.
"Y'all quick to judge my boy Bronny already??? Nah, let him work! He's gonna SHINE in this league, believe that! Future HOF no doubt, hate it or love it, the work speaks for itself. Thanasis got Giannis, Bronny got ME!"
LeBron James defends Bronny James on IG 😳 pic.twitter.com/3ip5piv45t
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) October 5, 2024
Ultimately, fans are still waiting for the first iconic moment between LeBron and Bronny. That is, when it happens it will mirror the greatness that was witnessed in other sports, such as in baseball with Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr.
Will a LeBron to Bronny alley-oop be as amazing as Ken Griffey Sr and Ken Griffey Jr hitting back to back homeruns? pic.twitter.com/ED4E7rpQOz
— Jon FitzSimon (@jonfitzsimon) January 4, 2024
Related: Bronny Faces Criticism As Summer League Begins, LeBron Defends His Son: 'He Doesn't Give A F***'
