The Lakers' LeBron James and Bronny James are the first father-son duo in NBA history to share the court

PALM DESERT, Calif. – As the Los Angeles Lakers broke away from their huddle, LeBron James and Bronny James stepped onto the court and landed in the NBA history books.

The Jameses opened the second quarter of the Lakers' 118-114 preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns, becoming the first father-son duo to play together in NBA history.

“Not real,” LeBron said after the game about his feelings as a father and player. “Still trying to get used to it a little bit, but pretty cool. It’s pretty cool for both of us and especially for our family.”

LeBron James. Bronny James.

The father-son duo is sharing space together for the first time! 👏 pic.twitter.com/93hC7k64gK

– NBA (@NBA) October 7, 2024

LeBron said the magnitude of that moment became clear as he stood next to his son as they began their defensive duties.

“We were standing next to each other and I kind of looked at him and was like, 'Is that The Matrix or something?'” LeBron said. “It just didn’t feel real. But it was great to experience those moments out there with him.”

Lakers coach JJ Redick told LeBron and Bronny earlier in the day that they would be playing together for the first time.

Bronny said he was “pretty excited” knowing he would be playing with his dad, but added that he prepared as if it were a normal game. Still, he admitted that it was impossible to compartmentalize the situation and simply view his father as a teammate.

“I always think, 'That's my dad,' because that's literally my dad,” Bronny said. “So I just go out there and when I play, he’s just my teammate. That’s all I’m thinking at this point.”

The moment had an additional layer: Bronny also celebrated his 20th birthday on Sunday. The Lakers celebrated with cake and cupcakes earlier in the day at the team hotel.

It was special for LeBron to have this experience with his son on his birthday.

“It means everything to a father,” LeBron said. “For someone who didn’t have that growing up to be able to have that influence on his children and his son. Be able to spend moments with your son. And ultimately, to be able to work with your son. I think this is one of the greatest things a father could ever hope for or wish for.”

Redick said before the game that he planned to play LeBron and Bronny as the game progressed and not in an “effective” manner. With LeBron and Anthony Davis available for the first time this preseason and the Lakers trying to figure out their nine-man rotation, Redick used the start of the second quarter as that moment.

“It’s surreal,” Redick said before the game. “It’s a great honor to be part of history.”

LeBron made a 3-pointer and an and-1 layup while Bronny was on the floor. Bronny didn't score in the 4:09 minute stretch, but his father set him up for a 3-pointer off a dribble that Bronny missed.

“I was really hoping wing three would have come in on the small side DHO,” Redick said. “That would have been a cool moment, but I’m sure they’ll have many more moments together.”

During LeBron and Bronny's combined playing time in the first half, the Suns outscored the Lakers by four points. LeBron and Davis rested in the second half.

“I just told him, 'Keep getting better,'” LeBron said of his message to Bronny after the game. “Honestly, I think he’s young. Just turned 20. He is young and wants to continue to improve. And that is the most important thing. So every time you have a moment outside, just keep doing giveaways. Continue to learn from his mistakes. Learn from the good things. And I think if he keeps it up, he’ll get better and better every minute.”

The Lakers drafted Bronny with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Bronny entered the NBA after just one year at USC, where he averaged 4.8 points and 19.3 minutes in 25 games.

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(Photo: Adam Pantozzi / NBAE via Getty Images)