PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP) — LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, reflects on his upbringing without a father and cherishes each moment he spends with his three children. Sunday night marked a monumental occasion as he took to the court with his son, Bronny, during a preseason game for the Los Angeles Lakers—a dream realized for the James family.
In a historic first, LeBron and Bronny became the inaugural father-son duo to compete together in an NBA game, playing over four minutes in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns.
“It’s pretty cool for both of us, especially for our family,” LeBron stated. “This is definitely a moment I will never forget.”
Coincidentally, this significant milestone fell on Bronny’s 20th birthday, transforming the event into a celebratory occasion for LeBron, who has long envisioned this moment since his son’s high school days.
While LeBron acknowledges that there will be more opportunities to share the court in the Lakers vs Bucks upcoming season, the surreal experience of donning matching jerseys with his son left an indelible mark on the four-time NBA champion and 20-time All-Star.
“For a father, it means everything,” LeBron expressed. “Having not had that influence growing up, to guide your children and share experiences with your son—being able to work alongside him—is one of the most extraordinary things a father could ever hope for.”
Bronny joined his father on the court as a substitute to kick off the second quarter at Acrisure Arena in the Coachella Valley. Despite being informed by coach JJ Redick that he would play alongside LeBron, Bronny maintained his composure both before and after this historic moment.
“I was pretty psyched for that,” Bronny shared.
Though more reserved than his father about the occasion, Bronny is still learning to navigate their on-court dynamic. LeBron has humorously insisted that his son refrain from calling him “Dad” while they play.
“I’m always thinking about, ‘That’s my dad!’ because that’s literally my dad,” Bronny admitted. “But when I’m playing, he’s just my teammate. That’s all.”
Their initial minutes together were not devoid of challenges, as Bronny recorded two turnovers, and LeBron added another. Shortly after, LeBron hit a 3-pointer and then assisted Bronny with a screen for a three-point attempt, which unfortunately missed its mark.
“I was really hoping that wing 3 would have gone in,” Redick remarked with a smile. “That would have been a cool moment. But they’ll have many opportunities together, I’m sure.”
Bronny exited the game four minutes into the second quarter, followed by LeBron just 25 seconds later. LeBron had a strong performance, contributing 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 16 minutes of play before watching the second half from the bench alongside Anthony Davis.
Bronny played approximately nine minutes in the second half but did not score as the Lakers fell to the Suns, 118-114.
“I just told him, ‘Keep getting better,’” LeBron said. “He’s young and eager to improve, which is what matters most. Each time he’s on the court, he should focus on making winning plays, learning from his mistakes.”
As LeBron embarks on his record-tying 22nd NBA season, Bronny—selected as the Lakers’ second-round draft pick this summer—continues his journey in the league after recovering from a cardiac arrest over a year ago. He played just one season at Southern California before entering the draft.
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