LeBron and Bronny James Make History as First Father-Son Duo to Share NBA Court

LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time top scorer, often speaks about the joy he finds in experiencing life’s milestones alongside his three children.

On Sunday night, that joy reached a new height as LeBron took to the court with his eldest son, Bronny James, for the Los Angeles Lakers.

This was more than a basketball game—it was the realization of a long-held family dream.

During the Lakers' pre-season matchup against the Phoenix Suns, LeBron and Bronny made history by becoming the first father and son to play together in an NBA game.

The moment occurred in the second quarter, when both shared the court for just over four minutes. For LeBron, this was a personal victory that transcended statistics. “It’s pretty cool for both of us, and especially for our family,” LeBron said. “It’s definitely a moment that I will never forget.”

The historical event coincided with Bronny’s 20th birthday, making it even more special for the 39-year-old LeBron, who has dreamed of this opportunity since his son’s high school days.

Though he’s looking forward to more shared minutes in the Lakers' upcoming season, the four-time NBA champion described the experience as surreal. “For a father, it means everything,” LeBron shared. “For someone who didn’t have that growing up, being able to have this influence on your kids and share these moments—it’s one of the greatest things a father could ever hope for.”

Bronny, meanwhile, was as composed as ever, even after head coach JJ Redick informed him that he’d be sharing the court with his dad. “I was pretty psyched for that,” Bronny admitted.

The young guard entered as a substitute in the second quarter and played alongside his father in Acrisure Arena in the Coachella Valley.

Despite the special moment, their play was not yet in sync.

The pair committed three turnovers in their first two minutes together, and Bronny missed a 3-point attempt after LeBron set a screen for him. “I was really hoping that wing 3 would have gone in,” Redick said with a smile. “That would have been a cool moment. But they’ll have a lot of moments together, I’m sure.”

Bronny came off the court four minutes into the second quarter, while LeBron exited just 25 seconds later.

LeBron finished with 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 16 minutes. Bronny, on the other hand, played nine more minutes in the second half but didn’t score.

The Lakers eventually lost to the Suns, 118-114.

LeBron offered his son some advice after the game. “I just told him, ‘Keep getting better,’” he said. “He’s young and wants to keep improving, and that’s what’s most important. Every moment out there is a learning experience.”

LeBron’s record-tying 22nd season is just beginning, and Bronny, a second-round pick for the Lakers, is embarking on his own journey in the league.

After recovering from a cardiac arrest just over a year ago, Bronny played one season at the University of Southern California before entering the draft.

Though he’ll likely spend much of this season developing in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, more father-son moments are expected once the regular season starts.

Redick emphasized that the pairing wasn’t a “gimmick,” but something that happened naturally. “It’s cool as a basketball fan,” he remarked. “It speaks to LeBron’s longevity and his competitive stamina, but also the work Bronny has put in to get here.

Bronny is such a great kid and a pleasure to be around.”

The James family joins a select group of father-son duos who have shared a professional sports stage. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played together with the Seattle Mariners in the early 1990s, while Gordie Howe played alongside his sons Marty and Mark in both the WHA and NHL.

For LeBron, who became a father early in his career with high school sweetheart Savannah Brinson, sharing a professional court with his son is an achievement that stands above his long list of accolades.

Although he’ll turn 40 in December, the four-time MVP has shown no signs of slowing down, taking care of his body and mind for moments like these.

The Lakers' regular season starts on October 22nd against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the world will be watching to see this father-son duo make more history on the court.