LeBron and Bronny James make history with the Los Angeles Lakers. Discover how this father-son duo prepares for an unforgettable season and relive Bronny’s inspiring comeback journey.
Los Angeles Lakers: A Historic Season Awaits
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers are set to make NBA history as coach JJ Redick prepares to place LeBron James and his son Bronny James on the court together for the first time in an official game. Whether this milestone occurs on opening night against the Minnesota Timberwolves or later in the season, the moment promises to be unforgettable for NBA fans.
LeBron, now entering his 22nd season with the LA Lakers, sees the timing of this father-son collaboration as less important than the journey that led here. “Whenever it happens, it will happen,” he shared after the Lakers shootaround on Tuesday. “Whether it’s tonight or down the line, it’s all about helping Bronny adjust to this professional life and showing him how to prepare as a professional every single day.”
Bronny James’ Comeback Journey
Bronny James’ journey to the Lakers has been nothing short of inspirational. In July 2023, while preparing for his freshman year at USC, Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest during a summer workout. Despite the health scare, he continued to pursue his passion for basketball and was eventually selected by the Lakers with the No. 55 pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Reflecting on that time, LeBron said, “It wasn’t too long ago that the scare happened. For Bronny to be here now, to grace an NBA court, is just amazing. Seeing him recover and play Division I college basketball the same year as his surgery was a ‘wow’ moment. At that point, I knew nothing would stop him from reaching his dreams.”
For Bronny, returning to the sport was always the top priority. “One of the first things he asked the doctors after his heart surgery was, ‘When can I play again?'” LeBron recalled. “He never asked about the healing process or the surgery details; it was always about getting back on the court.”
A Memorable Preseason for the Lakers
LeBron and Bronny James got a taste of playing together during the preseason on October 6, against the Phoenix Suns. Although Bronny faced challenges throughout the preseason, he ended on a high note by scoring 17 points, shooting 7-for-17, along with four rebounds and three steals against the Golden State Warriors.
Whether the Lakers decide to pair LeBron and Bronny on opening night or wait for a more opportune moment, the event will be closely watched by fans and celebrated as a historic achievement for the Los Angeles Lakers. Adding to the excitement, baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. will be in attendance, accompanied by his father, Ken Griffey Sr. The Griffeys, who famously played together for the Seattle Mariners, are one of the most iconic father-son duos in sports history.
“I’ve been a huge fan of Ken Griffey Jr., and we’ve developed a friendship over my professional career,” said LeBron. “Understanding the history they created in baseball, it’s incredible that they’ll be there to witness this special moment for me and Bronny.”
The Father-Son Connection in Sports
The Griffeys made history by hitting back-to-back home runs for the Mariners in 1990. When asked what the equivalent might be for him and Bronny on the basketball court, LeBron smiled and said, “Probably two lobs. I catch a lob, and then Bronny catches a lob right after—that would be our version of a back-to-back home run.”
As fans eagerly await the next Lakers game, the prospect of seeing LeBron and Bronny James together continues to captivate the NBA community. The Los Angeles Lakers are not just competing for wins this season; they’re making history.