LeBron James has been very outspoken about playing a professional NBA game with his son Bronny before he retires. On Sunday, that dream became a reality as Bronny, 20, played alongside his father in the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Phoenix Suns at Arcisure Arena.
Bronny was brought into the game in the second quarter to join his superstar father on the court. And though the Lakers lost the game, the pair had a lot to celebrate as Sunday also marked Bronny’s 20th birthday. LeBron, 39, and Bronny also wrote their name in the history books as they became the first father and son to play an NBA game together, ESPN reported.
Following the game, LeBron touched on the historical moment and how he cherished it – particularly because he did not have a father while growing up. “For a father, it means everything,” the NBA champion and future Hall of Famer said.
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“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.”
LeBron also said their coach JJ Redick informed him about playing alongside his son in their first professional NBA game before the commencement of the match. “Just wanted to get them a chance to play together in preseason … within the flow of the game,” Redick said.
“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.”
Bronny was drafted by the Lakers with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft. Prior to earning his first professional basketball contract, his father had repeatedly spoken about his desire to play alongside him.
“I’m prepping for the game like it’s regular game,” LeBron said. “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.”
Bronny also spoke about being teammates with his father and putting their personal relationship aside when they don the Lakers jersey. “I’m always thinking about ‘That’s my dad’ because that’s literally my dad,” the 20-year-old said.
“So I just go out there and, when I’m playing, he’s just my teammate. That’s all I’m thinking at that point.”
“It’s just taking everything that has happened to me during this year, getting up and continuing to work every day,” he also said when he was asked about how he managed to compose himself when he checked in. “Just finding fuel every day to get up and start working.
“JJ has really emphasized the defensive end and being a pest on defense. So that’s what I’ve been trying to focus on stepping on the floor.”
