B/R
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James called it “surreal” to line up alongside side Bronny in Sunday’s 118-114 preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns.
LeBron and Bronny played 16 and 13 minutes, respectively, becoming the first father and son to play together in an NBA game.
The historic moment came as the second quarter got underway.
“For a father, it means everything,” LeBron said after the game, per ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. “For someone who didn’t have that growing up, to be able to have that influence on your kids and have influence on your son. Be able to have moments with your son. And ultimately, to be able to work with your son. I think that’s one of the greatest things that a father can ever hope for or wish for.”
“I’m prepping for the game like it’s a regular game,” LeBron added, “But the moment when we came out of the timeout and he was picking up full court and I went up—because my guy was taking the ball out. We stood next to each other and I kind of looked at him, and it was just like, ‘Is this The Matrix or something?’ It just didn’t feel real.”
LeBron scored a team-high 19 points and had five rebounds, four assists and two blocks in the defeat. Bronny came off the bench and had two rebounds. He missed his lone shot attempt.
It remains to be seen how much more the Jameses will be offered the opportunity to suit up in the same game together.
The Lakers gave Bronny a relatively sizable contract for his draft position (55th overall), so they appear to be committed to his long-term development. In the short term, however, their sights are firmly set on a championship, so head coach JJ Redick won’t be giving much playing time to a young developmental prospect.
Adrian Wojnarowski, formerly of ESPN, reported in July that Bronny could spend most of his rookie season with the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League. That’s not an uncommon path for a second-round pick, especially one selected in the latter stages of the draft.
Regardless of what happens moving forward, Sunday night was at least a dream come true for LeBron.