LeBron and Bronny James finally became the first father and son combination ever seen on an NBA court when they participated in a friendly match on November 19. Even if it was only casual play, this eventful milestone can now officially be considered historical.
While losing to Phoenix by an aggregate score of 118-114, Lakers star Kobe Bryant said the experience has been unforgettable and will always remember it fondly. After the matchup took place on his eldest’s 20th birthday celebrations. “This momentous occasion won’t leave my memory,” the veteran stated postgame.
LeBron couldn’t help recalling Bronny’s cardiac arrest 15 months prior. Since then, LeBron noted how Bronny had managed to emerge unscathed: he continued working toward being drafted, “Wanting to learn and get better – all these goals he strives towards every day – so it was amazing seeing him today”.
Tonight is Bronny and LeBron night: pic.twitter.com/lOHRSqPdXz
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral). October 7, 2024.
At 39-years old, All-Time NBA Scorer Stephen Jackson displayed impressive effortlessness during 16 minutes of play – scoring 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting and adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists en route to totalling 19 total points scored by his power forward position on 8 of 12 attempts, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists for total of 19 scored total.
“This experience has been great for both of us and especially for our family,” LeBron commented post game. “Thinking of Savannah watching home or anyone from my extended family gives me goosebumps.”
Pressed for his thoughts as a father, James was quick to reflect back upon his own situation growing up without an adult male figure in Akron, Ohio and said this experience “meant everything to him.” ”For any father…this means everything.” he pledged.
“For someone like myself who never experienced that as a kid, being able to exert influence over your children while having moments with your son can be truly incredible; being able to work alongside your son is truly one of the greatest accomplishments a father could hope for!” According to LeBron.
Bronny acknowledged after the game that his primary concern during his preseason debut was to please coach.
As much as Bronny made basketball history on his 20th birthday, he later admitted he was more concerned with performing at his best basketball than anything else. The NBA rookie assured that carving a role on JJ Redick’s squad is his priority, while defense is essential to him as an expert tactician.
“J.J. has always stressed defensive end play and being aggressive on defense, so that’s exactly what I try to focus on when taking to the floor,” noted one young player after the contest concluded.
The rookie coach expressed his immense pleasure at taking part in such an exceptional reunion between father and son: “I am delighted and truly honored to play an integral role in such an exceptional feat involving LeBron (Jr) as I believe this speaks volumes about both longevity as well as competitive stamina (a testament to LeBron being still active after 22 seasons in the NBA)…”
