There have been plenty of father-son moments and historic highlights for the duo of LeBron James and Bronny James, and the NBA Playoffs brought yet another.
They’ve already played in an NBA regular-season game together and achieved first-ever father-to-son and son-to-father assists. On Saturday evening, the duo was on the court together for the Los Angeles Lakers‘ NBA Playoff game against the Houston Rockets.
It marked the first time in league history that a father and son had participated in a playoff game, creating yet another special moment. The Lakers also picked up the Game 1 win, with LeBron James finishing with 19 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds in the victory.
Bronny participated in the game for only four mostly uneventful minutes, but it gave him some time on the court, and that memorable highlight with his dad.
The moment was clearly special for King James, who admitted that despite all he’s seen happen in his career, this might be one of the best.
“I mean, I don’t know, there’s a lot of crazy things that’s been going on this year, for me. I mean, I was on the floor with my son in a playoff game. That’s probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened to me in my career,” LeBron told reporters postgame.
“It was just so cool to be out there with him and his brother and sister and his mom in the building, and his grandma. That’s just insane. My mom gets to watch her son and her grandson during the playoffs,” he said.
LeBron and Bronny are certainly making unprecedented history in the league, and that speaks to King James’ longevity. If he goes several more seasons, he could end up playing his first games against Bronny with another team, or even his other son, Bryce James, who is playing college basketball at the University of Arizona.
That also depends on where LeBron goes, with speculation suggesting he could leave the Lakers for another team such as the Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Clippers. That’s a decision for later, though.
The Lakers are currently using as many players as they can while they attempt to win games and advance without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in their lineup. Both players suffered season-ending injuries, and if the Lakers can extend their playoff run, it gives those guys a shot at being available.
A 107-98 win in Game 1 over the odds-on-favorite Rockets was a great start. However, LeBron and company were able to get that one with Kevin Durant out of the game due to a knee injury.
They’ll attempt to win a second game on Tuesday night in Los Angeles, with tip-off scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC and Pecoack.