LeBron James and Bronny James made NBA history on October 22, 2024, by becoming the first father-son duo to play in a regular-season game together. Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, the pair shared the court during the second quarter of the team’s season-opening victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
How the Historic Moment Unfolded
The milestone occurred with four minutes remaining in the second quarter. LeBron James, entering his 22nd NBA season, and Bronny James, a rookie selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, checked into the game simultaneously. According to the official NBA box score, the duo played together for approximately two and a half minutes.
This appearance marked the first time in league history that a father and son have played on the same team at the same time. While other professional sports leagues, such as Major League Baseball, have seen father-son duos play in the same era, the NBA had never previously hosted such a pairing.
Precedents and Historical Context
The possibility of a father-son duo sharing an NBA court had been a subject of speculation for years. LeBron James publicly expressed his desire to play alongside his son on multiple occasions throughout his tenure with the Lakers. Following the 2024 NBA Draft, the Lakers signed Bronny James to a standard rookie contract, officially setting the stage for the achievement.
Before this event, the closest historical comparison involved players like Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., who became the first father and son to play as teammates in MLB for the Seattle Mariners in 1990. In the NBA, many families have featured multiple generations of players, but none had successfully aligned their timelines to share an active roster.
What This Means for the Lakers
For the Lakers organization, the debut of the James duo served as a significant narrative point during their 110-103 victory over Minnesota. Head coach JJ Redick utilized Bronny James for three minutes of action, during which the rookie recorded one rebound. LeBron James finished the contest with 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
The Lakers’ front office, led by General Manager Rob Pelinka, has emphasized that Bronny James’s development remains a priority. According to statements made by the team during the preseason, the focus for the younger James will be on integrating into the team’s system while splitting time between the active roster and the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has a father and son ever played in the NBA at the same time before?
No. While other families have had multiple generations play in the league, LeBron and Bronny James are the first to share the court as teammates in an official NBA game.
Did they play together for the entire game?
No. The duo shared the court for roughly two and a half minutes during the second quarter of the season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Is Bronny James expected to stay with the Lakers permanently?
The Lakers have indicated a development plan for Bronny James that includes time in both the NBA and the G League to facilitate his transition to professional basketball.