LeBron James and Bronny James have made NBA history as they became the first father and son to play together as the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Phoenix Suns.
Bronny James, who turned 20 on Sunday, was introduced at the start of the second quarter to play alongside his father for the first time.
The pair were together on court for just over four minutes as the Lakers lost 118-114 to the Suns in the pre-season game at Arcisure Arena.
In June, Bronny was the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, while his father LeBron is preparing to play his 22nd season in the NBA having made his debut for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.
‘For a father, it means everything,’ said LeBron James.
‘For someone who didn’t have that growing up, to be able to have that influence on your kids and have influence on your son. Be able to have moments with your son. And ultimately, to be able to work with your son. I think that’s one of the greatest things that a father can ever hope for or wish for.
‘I’m prepping for the game like it’s regular game but the moment when we came out of the timeout and he was picking up full court and I went up, because my guy was taking the ball out. We stood next to each other and I kind of looked at him, and it was just like, ‘Is this The Matrix’ or something?’, it just didn’t feel real.’
Lakers coach JJ Redick said: ‘Just wanted to get them a chance to play together in preseason, within the flow of the game.
‘I’m thrilled that I get to be a part of this. I really am. It’s cool as a basketball fan.
‘I think it speaks to LeBron’s longevity, but also his competitive stamina that he’s able to still be doing this in year 22. It speaks to the work that Bronny has put in to get to this point and really just the fatherly care and love, and certainly the motherly care from Savannah as well.
‘Bronny’s such a great kid and he’s a pleasure to be around.’
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