On October 22, the Los Angeles Lakers opened their 2024-2025 season with a historic 110-103 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This wasn’t just a season opener—it was the dawn of a new NBA era, marking the first time in league history that a father-son duo, LeBron and Bronny James, shared the court in an official game.
LeBron James, a legend in his 21st NBA season, has long dreamed of playing alongside his son Bronny.
“Pure joy to be honest, to come into work every day and put hard work in with [my] son to see him continue to grow is a very joyous moment not only for myself, but for our family,” said Lebron.
Bronny James played high school at Seirra Canyon, ranked in the top 20 by ESPN Top-300 prospect. He then committed to USC, where he did a one and done season. During the summer leading into his freshman year, Bronny suffered from cardiac arrest, which forced him to be sidelined at the start of the season before coming back from surgery. He finished the season averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assist through 25 games.
LeBron James, has one of the most decorated careers in NBA history. He started his career of by winning Rookie of the Year, and is one of only two players in NBA history to win at least four NBA MVP awards and four NBA Finals MVP awards.
Lebron is the only player in NBA history to record at least 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists. As well he is the only player in NBA history to be in the top five all-time in points, top 10 all-time in assists, and top 10 all-time in steals. He is the NBA all-time leading scorer, and holds the title for most consecutive double-digit scoring games (1096 games), most All-NBA First Team selections (13), most 20-point games in NBA history (1,171), most all-time playoff points (7,631), most all-time playoff wins (174), and Most all-time playoff games (266).
That dream became reality when both Jameses suited up for the Lakers after Bronny was selected 55th overall in the NBA draft.
In the third quarter, With around 19,000 people in attendance and 3.5 million viewers on television, Lakers head coach JJ Redick subbed both LeBron and Bronny into the game, igniting a roar from the crowd. LeBron described the moment as unforgettable, while Bronny expressed deep gratitude to Lakers fans for their support. This debut marked a new chapter for both players and the Lakers, who’ve started the season strong with a 4-2 record.
Max Zebic, a senior from Croatia, is a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers stating how rare the moment was.
“As someone who has watched basketball since I was three years old, I never thought this day would come. I watched the moment live, as Bronny checked into the game, I was watching a moment in history.”
When LeBron James and his son Bronny checked in together during the Lakers’ season opener, it was more than a milestone; it was a deeply symbolic moment in sports. LeBron, who has dominated the NBA since joining in 2003, fulfilled a goal he’s often spoken of—sharing the court with his eldest son in an official NBA game.
“I’ve always dreamed about playing with my son, and I’d do whatever it takes,” he said.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with a dominant 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 blocks, providing a strong foundation for their 110-103 win. Davis admitted that seeing LeBron and Bronny sub in together was a “huge” moment for the team and fans alike.
“This is the first time we had a LeBron moment that was something huge and we won.”
This win also held special significance for LeBron; as Davis pointed out, many of LeBron’s milestone moments, including breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record, had come during losses. But this time, the James family’s historic moment came amid a Lakers victory, making it even sweeter.
This occasion connected the Jameses with sports history across generations and leagues. Among those watching were Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., the first father-son duo to play in Major League Baseball. In 1990, they famously hit back-to-back home runs as teammates on the Seattle Mariners. LeBron acknowledged the special nature of their presence, saying it added to the “history of sports.”
After the game, Griffey Jr., a longtime friend of LeBron’s, remarked on the unique dynamics required for father-son duos in sports: “You got to have longevity as an older guy and your son has got to be pretty good to get there pretty quick.”
This game marked just the fourth time a father-son pairing had occurred in professional American sports, placing the Jameses in rare company. Alongside the Griffeys, hockey legend Gordie Howe played with his sons Mark and Marty in the NHL, and Tim Raines played with his son Tim Raines Jr. in MLB.
The combination of LeBron’s remarkable longevity and Bronny’s rapid rise to the NBA has created an extraordinary moment for the Lakers, the league, and sports fans worldwide.
Coach Jayson Leigh, assistant coach of the Varsity Basketball Team, commented on Bronny: “The NBA has turned into glorified pickup basketball… there’s not enough passing, cutting, and team defense. Bronny stands out with his tenacious defense and selflessness on offense, making him more of a team player than a 1v1 guy.” He said, “But with where the league is, I don’t think he’s ready; his offensive skills aren’t there yet, and he’s not a 6’8″ wing defender who can lock down anyone.”
