In an unforgettable moment for basketball fans, LeBron James watched proudly from the bench as his son, 19-year-old Bronny James, made his NBA preseason debut for the LA Lakers on Friday night. The matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves ended in a 124-107 defeat for the Lakers, but the true storyline was the emergence of Bronny on the court.

Playing for 16 minutes, Bronny showed flashes of his potential, finishing with two points. He entered the game during the second quarter and returned for most of the fourth, where he finally found his rhythm. After a challenging start—I mean, who hasn’t missed five shots in a row?—he made a layup with less than a minute remaining, sparking cheers from the enthusiastic crowd at the Acrisure Arena.

While Bronny’s shooting may not have met his expectations, his defensive prowess was on full display. Standing at 6-foot-2, he blocked three shots, secured one rebound, and tallied one assist. Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised his young talent, noting, “He can do some things defensively at his size that are really unique, and he’s on his way to becoming a disruptive defender.”

Redick acknowledged the growth process for Bronny on offense, emphasizing the team's commitment to his development. “He’s so easy to coach. He’s got a great soul and energy, making him a joy to be around. I’m rooting for him.”

Surprisingly, LeBron was rested for this game but may suit up against the Phoenix Suns this Sunday—an especially momentous occasion as it coincides with Bronny’s 20th birthday. The anticipation of a father-son duo sharing the NBA court for the first time has fans buzzing.

Bronny was selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA draft, fulfilling a lifelong dream to play alongside his father. During a Lakers media event earlier this week, LeBron expressed his excitement about the milestone, describing it as “pure joy.” He reflected on their journey together, stating, “I’m just super proud of him to get to this point. He’s a man, and he’s ready to go.

Indeed, this historic moment not only marks the beginning of Bronny’s professional career but also sets the stage for the James family to make history, as they aim to become the first father-son duo to compete together on the NBA stage. As fans and analysts alike watch their journey unfold, one thing is certain: the story of the James family is just getting started, and this season promises to be full of surprises and excitement!