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    • LeBron and Bronny James make NBA history in the Lakers' season opener
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    LeBron and Bronny James make NBA history in the Lakers' season opener

    Kathleen William Posted on

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    LOS ANGELES – In the annals of father-son experiences, a now-historic experience must be added to the list.

    LeBron James and son Bronny became the first father-son duo to play in the same NBA game on Tuesday, opening night. Bronny made his debut with four minutes left in the second quarter and the Lakers led 51-35.

    LeBron and Bronny shared the court at Crypto.com Arena during the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

    It was the first time a father and son played in the same NBA game, let alone as teammates. LeBron, 39, and Bronny, 20, wore Lakers purple and gold — their version of matching outfits for family photo day.

    To the delight of the crowd, LeBron and Bronny entered the game together, with the Lakers leading 51-35. All eyes were on father and son.

    There was a disappointed sound from the crowd when Bronny passed instead of taking his first free shot. Later came a collective, “ohhhhhhhhhh.”

    That was the sound after Bronny missed an open three-pointer. He was credited with another shot, a tip that was blocked by Minnesota's Rudy Gobert. He was also credited with an offensive rebound, but the penalty area shows no evidence of another notable moment.

    At one point, Bronny was guarding Minnesota star Anthony Edwards and Edwards missed a shot.

    The crowd just seemed disappointed that Bronny didn't shoot when he first got the ball.

    With 1:19 left in the half, Bronny exited the game with the Lakers leading 53-42.

    Among the fans in attendance was another father-son duo – former MLB stars Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., who played their first game together with the Seattle Mariners on August 31, 1990.

    When the Griffeys were told they wanted to be present for this historic moment, Bronny was thrilled.

    “It’s going to be crazy,” he said. “Only two families are doing this, so it’s going to be a crazy experience, especially given what they’ve done.”

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    In recent years, LeBron, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, has spoken about his desire to play with his eldest son.

    For a while it seemed like that wasn't going to happen. Almost 15 months ago, Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest that put his health and basketball career in doubt. At the time, he was preparing for his first season in Southern California.

    He made his season debut in nine games in a difficult season.

    After averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in Southern California, Bronny declared for the NBA draft despite questions about his suitability for professional basketball.

    The Lakers selected him in the second round with the 55th overall pick.

    LeBron and Bronny took the court together during the first game of a challenging preseason for Bronny. In six games, he was 9 of 37 from the field, including 1 of 12 from 3-point range. But he showed athleticism and intelligence on defense before the start of the 2024-25 regular season.

    “…It's been a pleasure, and especially in the preseason, the training, just every day…it just gets him up to speed on what this professional life is about and how to prepare every day as a professional,” LeBron said after the Lakers shootaround on Tuesday morning, according to ESPN.

    Follow reporter Josh Peter on social media @joshlpeter11

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    Kathleen William
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