- LeBron and Bronny James became the first ever father-son duo to play together in an NBA game
- Lakers snapped a seven-year opening night losing streak with 110-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves
- LeBron’s appearance saw him tie Vince Carter’s record for most NBA seasons played
LeBron James has been making history his entire career, but last night was perhaps the most emotional moment of his generational era in the NBA, as he took to the court with son Bronny, becoming the first father-son duo to play together in NBA history.
On a night that saw James earn his first opening night win as a Laker, a run that stretches back to 2018 for the four-time NBA champion and to 2016 for the franchise in general, the crowd inside the Crypto Arena roared their approval when, late in the second quarter, the 39-year-old and his 20-year-old rookie son took to the court together.
Bronny, who had shared a court with his 20-time All Star dad during pre-season, came close to opening his account on a couple of occasions and only spent two-and-a-half minutes on the court, but history had been made. LeBron scored 16 points in a performance that saw him tie Vince Carter’s record for most NBA seasons played.
More eyes than usual were on the Lakers heading into their season opener with the Timberwolves, and not just because they were one opening night loss away from breaking an NBA record for most consecutive season opening defeats. LeBron James’ family’s history making moment was one thing, but JJ Redick’s first game as Head Coach of the franchise was another situation under the microscope.
The former Clipper has never held a coaching position before being named Lakers Head Coach and had been working as a podcaster and media analyst since retiring from the NBA in 2021. However, Anthony Davis, who finished with 36 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in 38 minutes in the victory over the Timberwolves, last night spoke to reporters after the game and heaped praise on the preparation the new coach laid out for the Lakers.
Via Bleacher Report, Davis said, “The game plan, the schemes that he had on both ends of the floor, he trusts us. We trust him, as far as what he teaches us, what he wants us to do on the floor on both ends and it’s our job to go execute it. I think we were very prepared tonight.”
Davis’ performance last night further emphasised the need for him to become the focal point of the Lakers operation and suggested that Redick sees him as just that. The Lakers’ performance on defence, forcing 15 turnovers for 95 field-goal attempts, in comparison to just 85 for the Timberwolves, was also an encouraging early sign.
But despite that, the headlines still belong to LeBron James, for now. How Bronny’s rookie campaign pans out remains to be seen, with plenty of scrutiny likely to be paid to each and every performance the 20-year-old makes during the campaign.
