PALM DESERT, Calif. — LeBron James and Bronny James made history Sunday night as the first father and son to play together in an NBA game.
The historic moment came at the start of the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason game against the Phoenix Suns. Bronny James, who was celebrating his 20th birthday, checked into the game and joined his father on the court.
“It’s surreal,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said before the game. “It’ll be fun when they’re on the court together. I’m excited about it. I’m very honored that I get to be part of history.”
Redick added that the historic moment would happen “in the flow of the game” and wouldn’t be “gimmicky.” That’s exactly how it transpired when the younger James checked in, along with fellow rookie Dalton Knecht, to start the second quarter.
The elder James, who is entering his 22nd season, has been speaking of his desire to play alongside his eldest son for several years and the Lakers put father and son in position to make history by drafting Bronny James with the 55th pick in June.
Lebron James, 39, started Sunday’s game after sitting out the preseason opener Friday. He and Olympic teammate Anthony Davis seemed to have a spring in their step early on, leading L.A. in the first half with 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting and 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, respectively.
Bronny James did not score in his 4 minutes, 9 seconds of action in the second quarter, missing the only shot he took and committing three turnovers.