The Los Angeles Lakers opened the 2024-25 season with a 110-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the real highlight of the night was a historic moment for the James family. LeBron James and his eldest son, Bronny, made NBA history as the first father-son duo to play in the league together. LeBron contributed 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Bronny made his NBA debut with three minutes off the bench, going scoreless.
The 39-year-old LeBron and his 20-year-old son shared the court for about 2.5 minutes late in the first half. For LeBron, this moment carried immense significance, both personally and professionally. “It’s family. It’s always been family over everything,” LeBron said postgame.
Bronny also reflected on the emotional moment. “Just going up to that scorer’s table with my dad, checking in for the first time — that’s a crazy moment I will never forget,” Bronny said. “I’m just extremely grateful for everything. I was given an amazing opportunity to come in this league and get better every day and learn every day. I’m just extremely grateful.”
LeBron has always been a family-first person, and this night served as the culmination of a dream he’s openly talked about for years. “I lost a lot of time because of this league, missing a lot of [Bronny’s] things, Bryce’s things, Zhuri’s things,” he shared. “So to be able to have this moment where I’m working still and I can work alongside my son, it’s one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever got the man above. And I’m going to take full advantage of it.”
Despite the sentimental significance of the night, the Lakers stayed focused on their game plan. Anthony Davis led the charge with 36 points and 16 rebounds, propelling the team to victory. LeBron praised the Lakers’ defense, saying, “I think it was our attention to defense. We had a great game plan, and our attention to detail throughout 48 minutes was at an all-time high, so that resulted in us getting this win.”
Bronny’s introduction to the NBA is just the beginning of what could be a long journey, and LeBron offered him some fatherly advice. “It’s not promised every day that you get an opportunity to play in this beautiful league. It’s only 450 of us and understand it’s not given to you. You’ve got to earn every moment. And I think he knows that, and he’s looking forward to the process of getting better and better every single day to be the player that he ultimately wants to be.”
LeBron’s pride in his son was clear as he added, “I’m super proud of him and he’s my lifeline, that’s for sure.”
