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Ramona Shelburne, ESPN senior writer
Palm Desert, Calif.– Lebron James And bronnie james Made history Sunday night as the first father and son to play together in an NBA game Los Angeles Lakers lost 118-114 In the preseason of phoenix sun At ArcSure Arena.
The historic moment came early in the second quarter when Bronny James, who was celebrating his 20th birthday, attended the game and joined his father on the court.
“To a father, it means everything,” LeBron James said. “For someone who didn’t have the opportunity growing up to be able to have an impact on their kids and have an impact on their son. To be able to spend moments with their son. And ultimately, work with their son.” To be able to do that. I think that’s one of the greatest things a father can ever hope for or aspire to.”
He said Lakers coach JJ Redick told him before the game that he and his son would be playing their first minutes together as professionals. This allowed both of them to prepare for that moment, even if they did not know exactly when it would come.
Wow that was surreal!!
– LeBron James (@KingJames) 7 October 2024
“I just wanted to give them a chance to play together in the preseason … within the flow of the game,” Redick said. “I’m thrilled I got a chance to be a part of it. I really am. As a basketball fan it’s cool. I think it shows LeBron’s longevity, but also his competitive stamina That she’s still able to do this at 22 speaks volumes about the work that Bronny has done to get to this point and really it’s just the care and love of a father, and of course Savannah. There is also maternal care.
“Bronny is a great kid and a pleasure to be around.”
When they played together for only 4 minutes and 9 seconds, there were many memorable moments: first, when the Lakers tried to strengthen their transition defense, each of them took up the entire court on defense, then when the big James was standing next to his son when he argued the illegal screen call on Bronny.
The only moment that didn’t pan out was a father-son assist, when Bronny missed a 3-pointer off his father’s dribble handoff.
“I was really hoping that Wing 3, the short side of the DHO, had gone in,” Reddick said. “That would have been a nice moment, but I’m sure they’ll have a lot more moments together.”
The elder James, who is entering his 22nd season, has been talking about his desire to play alongside his older son for several years, and the Lakers made father and son history by drafting Bronny with the 55th pick in June. Has been brought to a state of making.
“I’m preparing for the game like it’s a regular game,” LeBron said. “But that moment when we came out of timeout and he was picking up full court and I went up — because my guy was taking the ball out. We were standing next to each other and I looked over at him, and it Was just like, ‘Is this “The Matrix” or something?’ It didn’t feel real at all.”
LeBron James, 39, started Sunday’s game after sitting out Friday’s preseason opener. He and Olympic teammates anthony davis They seemed to have a hit in their stride from the start, leading LA with 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting and 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, respectively, in the first half. Nobody played in the second half.
Bronny did not score in his 13:25 action, missing his only shot and committing four turnovers. Offensively he is still very much a work in progress, but defensively he has impressed teammates and coaches with his work ethic.
“He’s tough,” Davis said. “Obviously, he’s defensive-minded. Some great blocks, Game 1. Physicality. He dominates screens, is good with his hands on deflections and steals. But he’s still learning. He’s still Trying to figure everything out, so we have to realize he’s still a rookie — and it’s a different style of basketball in the league, both ends of the floor. But, especially defensively.”
Bronny has been remarkably balanced throughout the process of being drafted by the Lakers, going through his first professional camp, and now playing with his father.
“I always think, ‘He’s my dad,’ because he really is my dad,” he said. “So I just go out there and, when I’m playing, he’s just my guy. That’s all I’m thinking about at that point.”
When asked how he remained so calm while recounting this experience, he shrugged. That’s his nature, but it’s also a byproduct of his experience over the past two years coming back from cardiac arrest as a freshman at USC.
“Everything that has happened to me during this year has included getting up every day and going to work,” he said. “Got to find the fuel just to get up every day and get to work.
“JJ has really emphasized being a pest on the defensive end and on defense. So I’m trying to focus on getting on the floor.”