LeBron James has reached another milestone, this time alongside his son.
In the NBA playoff match between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets on Saturday, April 19, James and his son, LeBron “Bronny” James Jr, became the first father-son pair to compete together in an NBA postseason game.
After their 107-98 victory in Game 1, LeBron expressed to reporters, “A lot of unbelievable things have happened this year. Being on the court with my son during a playoff game is probably the most surreal moment of my career.”
LeBron further elaborated on how meaningful the moment was for him and his entire family, who were there to witness it.
Even basketball legends find it challenging when their children leave home. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James humorously discussed his son and teammate Bronny moving out after their 140-126 triumph over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, November 18. “I think he’s enjoying the process,” LeBron, 40, remarked to the media when questioned about it.
“Being out there with [Bronny] was just incredible,” LeBron, 41, commented. “Having his brother (Bryce), sister (Zhuri), mom (Savannah James), and even his grandma in the arena made it even more special.”
He added, “It’s unbelievable that my mom could watch not only her son but also her grandson play in the playoffs. That’s amazing.”
During the start of the second quarter, Bronny, 21, entered the game while LeBron was already playing, and the two shared a moment on the court.
LeBron and Bronny James Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
In the playoff win, the four-time NBA champion recorded a double-double with 19 points and 13 assists. Bronny played for four minutes, sharing the court with his father during that time.
LeBron has long aimed to play alongside his son before concluding his 23-year career.
“I need to be on the floor with my boy; I have to be on the floor with Bronny,” LeBron told ESPN in 2023. “Whether in the same team or facing off, I’d love to replicate the Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. scenario. That would be perfect. I’m here already, just waiting on him.”
LeBron accomplished this ambition in October 2024, when they set a record as the first father-son duo to share an NBA game. Their performance on Saturday elevated that achievement.
It remains uncertain how much Bronny will play in the rest of the playoffs, but with injuries to Lakers players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, there could be more opportunities for Bronny to get playing time.
Game 2 of the series is set for Tuesday, April 21, at 10 p.m. ET in Los Angeles.
