Story by
'One of the greatest gifts': What LeBron and Bronny said after making NBA history
- Story by
- 'One of the greatest gifts': What LeBron and Bronny said after making NBA history
LeBron James . LeBron " Bronny " James Jr. One is a living NBA legend in his 22nd season. The other is a son of "the King," a 20-year-old taking the first steps into his life as a professional basketball player.
These two are more than just kids from Akron. They are history makers who created a lasting memory in the NBA's opening night Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles .
Bronny and LeBron became the first father-son duo to play together in a regular-season NBA game as the Lakers teammates battled the Minnesota Timberwolves . Surrounded by his family and thousands of other fans, including Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., the first MLB father-son duo to play together, Bronny made his debut with his father at his side just before halftime.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: (L-R) LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers, Ken Griffey Sr., Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Ken Griffey Jr. pose for a photo prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The James men checked in with four minutes left in the second quarter. The Lakers were cruising at the time, up 16 over the Timberwolves and their own superstar, Anthony Edwards . Bronny played a little under three minutes, registering an offensive rebound in his first stint of regular season action.
Advertisement
Timberwolves vs. Lakers highlights: Anthony Davis shines, Bronny James makes NBA debut
He missed his first shot attempt, a 3-pointer that would have been assisted by his father. He also missed a tip-in basket, and forced Edwards to miss a jump shot. After Bronny checked out with a little over a minute left to play before halftime, he did not see the floor again in the eventual 110-103 Lakers win.
What LeBron and Bronny had to say after their historic night
Shortly after the Lakers won, Bronny and LeBron both mentioned how incredible it was to play together during their postgame interview.
"Going up to that scorers table for the first time with my dad and checking in for the first time was a crazy moment I'll never forget," Bronny said when asked what he would remember the most about his first NBA game. "I'm just extremely grateful for everything, I was given an amazing opportunity to come into this league and get better every day and learn every day."
LeBron spoke about the sacrifices he's made over the years for his career and the family moments he's missed out on because of it. Now, he cherishes the special moment.
Advertisement
"It's always been family over everything — I've lost a lot of time because of this league and committing to this league, being on the road at times and missing a lot of [Bronny's] things, Bryce's things and Zhuri's things," LeBron said. "To be able to have this moment where I'm working still and I can work alongside my son is one of the greatest gifts I've ever gotten from the man above, and I'm [going to] take full advantage of it.
"I'm super proud of [Bronny]. He's my lifeline for sure," LeBron said.
Bronny and LeBron sharing the court a long time coming
LeBron, who has had his own number of historic moments since breaking into the NBA in 2003, had discussed the possibility of sharing the court with his son.
Advertisement
"I need to be on the floor with my boy, I got to be on the floor with Bronny," James told ESPN when his oldest son was a senior in high school.
The NBA's all-time leading scorer didn't have a lot left to check off on his basketball bucket list, but suiting up with his son was one of the dreamed-about items.
LeBron James #23 and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers on defense during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Bronny's cardiac arrest while preparing for his first season with the University of Southern California men's basketball team in July 2023 meant that dream almost didn't happen. He ended up coming back to the team in December, and finished the season averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
Advertisement
Bronny declared for the NBA draft in May 2024 and was eventually selected by the Lakers in the second round with the 55th selection a month later.
How did the Lakers perform on opening night?
The Lakers led by as many as 19 points over the Timberwolves in J.J. Redick's head coaching debut. Anthony Davis led the way with 36 points and 16 rebounds, while Rui Hachimura scored 18 points and LeBron finished with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Edwards had 27 points for the Timberwolves in the losing effort. Julius Randle , who was recently traded to the Timberwolves along with Donte DiVincenzo from the New York Knicks for Karl-Anthony Towns , finished with 16 points and nine rebounds.
Advertisement
When do the Lakers play next?
Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers will host Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns at 10 p.m. Friday. Fans can watch the game on ESPN.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: What LeBron, Bronny James said after making NBA history in LA Tuesday
