BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
No Comments
LeBron James and his son Bronny etched their names into NBA history during the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, becoming the first father-son duo to play together in an official NBA game.
The memorable moment unfolded in front of a sold-out crowd at the Crypto.com Arena, with fans erupting in cheers as the pair entered the game late in the second quarter, contributing to the Lakers’ 110-103 victory.
LeBron, nearing his 40th birthday, and Bronny, 20, had shared the court earlier during a preseason game, but this marked their first official appearance in an NBA regular season match.
The moment carried extra significance, with the legendary Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr., who achieved a similar feat in Major League Baseball, watching from the stands.
Following the game, LeBron reflected on the occasion: “Checking in together is something I’ll never forget. It’s one of the greatest gifts, and I’m going to cherish it.”
Bronny’s performance saw him play for just under three minutes, missing two field-goal attempts and securing an offensive rebound, while LeBron put up 16 points and grabbed three rebounds in 35 minutes of play.
Despite the attention surrounding the father-son duo, it was Anthony Davis who led the Lakers with a dominant 36-point, 16-rebound performance.
Although Bronny is expected to spend much of his rookie season developing in the G-League, LeBron expressed pride in his son’s journey, reminding him of the privilege of playing in the NBA.
For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards led the charge with 27 points, while Rudy Gobert added 13 points and 14 rebounds. The Timberwolves fought back from a 17-point deficit but ultimately fell short as the Lakers sealed the win.
This historic game marks another milestone in LeBron’s illustrious 22-year NBA career, with the added joy of sharing the experience with his eldest son.
