LeBron and Bronny James are the first father and son to play together

PALM DESERT, Calif. – LeBron James and his son Bronny James made history Sunday night when they became the first father and son to play together in an NBA game as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-114 in the preseason at Arcisure Arena Phoenix Suns lost.

The historic moment came early in the second quarter when James Jr., celebrating his 20th birthday, entered the game and joined his father on the court.

“It means everything to a father,” James said. “For someone who didn’t have that as a child to have that influence on his children and his son. Being able to spend moments with his son. And ultimately being able to work with your son.” I think that's one of the greatest things a father could ever hope for or wish for.

James said Lakers coach JJ Redick told him before the game that he and his son would likely play their first minutes together as professionals. This allowed both of them to prepare for the moment, even if they didn't know exactly when it would come.

“I just wanted to give them a chance to play together in preseason … during the course of the game,” Redick said. “I’m thrilled that I get to be a part of it. That's really me. It's cool to be a basketball fan. I think it speaks to LeBron's longevity, but also his competitiveness, that he can still do this in his 22nd year.” It speaks to the work that Bronny has done to get to this point, and really just the paternal care and love, and certainly for the maternal care of Savannah.

“Bronny is such a great boy and a joy to be with.”

Even though they only played together for 4 minutes and 9 seconds, there were some memorable moments. First, when each of them occupied the entire defensive field as the Lakers tried to bolster their transition defense, and then when the elder James stood next to his son as they argued over an illegal screen call against James Jr.

The only moment that didn't come to fruition was the father-son support when James Jr. missed a three-pointer while dribbling with his father.

“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.”

The elder James, entering his 22nd season, has spoken for several years about his desire to play alongside his eldest son, and the Lakers have put father and son in a position to make history by drafting Bronny James Jr . signed with the 55th overall pick in June.

“I'm preparing for the game like it's a normal game,” James said. “But the moment we came out of the timeout and he took full court, I went up – because my guy was getting the ball out. We were standing next to each other and I kind of looked at him and that was it.” just like, “Is this the Matrix or something?” It just didn't feel real.

James, 39, started Sunday's game after sitting out Friday's preseason opener. He and his Olympic teammate Anthony Davis seemed to have momentum early, leading LA with 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting and 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, respectively, in the first half. Neither played in the second half.

James Jr. didn't score in his 13:25, missed the only shot he took and committed four turnovers. He is still developing on offense but has impressed teammates and coaches with his work ethic on defense.

“He’s tough,” Davis said of the younger James. “Obviously he’s defensive-minded. He had some great blocks in game one. The physicality. He does well on screens in terms of deflections and steals with his hands. But he is still learning. He's still trying to figure everything out, so.” We have to realize he's still a rookie – and this is a different style of basketball in the league. But I like what I see from him on both ends of the floor, especially on defense.

James Jr. was remarkably balanced during the Lakers' draft, went through his first professional camp and now plays alongside his father.

“I always think, 'That's my dad,' because that's literally my dad,” James Jr. 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.”

When asked how he remained so calm while replaying the story of the experience, James Jr. shrugged. It's in his nature, but it's also a byproduct of the experience he's had over the past two years, coming back from cardiac arrest as a freshman at USC.

“It’s just a matter of processing everything that’s happened to me this year, getting up every day and continuing to work,” he said. “I just find the energy to get up every day and start working.”

“JJ really emphasized defense and disrupting defenses. So I tried to focus on hitting the ground.”