LeBron and Bronny James are the first father-son duo to play together on an NBA team

CNN
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It may have been a preseason game, but on Sunday night it proved historic.

During the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason game against the Phoenix Suns, LeBron and Bronny James became the first father-son duo to play together on an NBA team.

At the start of the second quarter, the two took the court together, much to the delight of the crowd at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California.

Bronny, who celebrated his 20th birthday on Sunday, was given the gift of cheering fans as he played alongside his 39-year-old superstar father for four minutes.

LeBron, who got his first action of the preseason against his former USA Basketball teammates Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, scored 19 points in the first half. He was not used in the second half.

Bronny, whose jersey has “James Jr.” emblazoned on the other side, was selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft in June and joined his father in the franchise. He would finish with zero points and two rebounds in 13 minutes played.

The Lakers would fall to the Suns 118-114.

Asked if he would like to share this moment on his son LeBron's birthday said it “means everything.”

“It’s possible for someone who didn’t have a father growing up to have that influence on their children,” LeBron said. “Ultimately, I think being able to work with his son is one of the greatest things a father could ever hope for or wish for.”

Bronny said he found out earlier in the day that he was going to play with his dad. He added that while he was “bright,” it also felt like a “normal game with my teammate.”

“I just try to live in the moment, do my job and find my role,” he added.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick said he is “thrilled” to be part of a team with LeBron and Bronny.

“I think it speaks to LeBron’s longevity but also his competitiveness that he can still do this in his 22nd year.”' Redick said. “It speaks to the work Bronny has done to get to this point. And really just the paternal care and love and certainly the maternal care of Savannah (James). Bronny is such a great boy and a joy to be with.”

The Lakers still have four preseason games left, including the next one on the road against the Milwaukee Bucks. The team will open the NBA regular season on October 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.