NBA fans were largely divided after seeing LeBron James make history by playing alongside his eldest, Bronny, to become the first father-son duo in NBA history.
Unlike the elder James in 2003, Bronny is not considered a once-in-a-lifetime talent, and many have accused the second-round pick of benefiting from nepotism.
“Bronny might be the biggest nepo baby in Los Angeles history, and that’s saying a lot,” one critic wrote on X as the Lakers faced the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves in the season opener at LA’s Crypto.com Arena.
However, many other fans appreciated the historic moment.
“If you didn’t get emotional watching Bronny participate in the Lakers game with his dad, Lebron, you should be watching your pulse,” former NFL player Emmanuel Acho wrote on X.
NBA fans were largely divided after seeing LeBron James make history by playing alongside his eldest, Bronny, becoming the first father-son duo in NBA history
LeBron James stares into the crowd next to his son Bronny during Tuesday’s opener
“It doesn’t really matter what your thoughts are here, seeing LeBron and Bronny in the game together is one of the coolest things ever,” podcaster Josh Reynolds added. ‘History.’
History was made with four minutes left in the first half as both players entered the game, with Los Angeles holding a commanding 51-35 lead.
Just seconds after taking the floor, LeBron missed a three-point attempt. On the other end, Minnesota’s Julius Randle scored over Bronny on the ensuing possession.
Bronny ended up playing three minutes in the first half, missing both of his field goal attempts and hauling in an offensive rebound. Most memorably, he was blocked by former Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.
Many fans were quick to point out his struggles.
“Bronny checks in,” wrote one on
“This is not a movie,” the critic added. “These are the Timberwolves.”
Many fans were in favor of Bronny James getting the chance to play with his father
Bronny James is facing some critics who believe he reached the NBA at LeBron’s insistence
Bronny’s first three minutes of his pro career were forgettable, to say the least
Among those who witnessed history were Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., the first father and son to play alongside each other on the same team in Major League Baseball.
Earlier Tuesday, LeBron insisted he wasn’t focused on the history that might be made in the Lakers’ season opener.
“If it happens, it will happen,” LeBron said after a morning shootout. “Whether it’s tonight or later, when it happens, it will happen. But it’s been a joy, and just in the preseason, the practices, just every day…just getting him up to speed on what this professional life is about and how to prepare every day as a professional.”
LeBron was simply looking forward to his son hitting the NBA floor, as it’s been just over a year since Bronny went into cardiac arrest during a preseason workout ahead of his freshman year in Southern California.
‘[It was] not that long ago the scare happened,” LeBron said. “And if he can step onto an NBA floor, if that’s tonight or whenever, it will be another one of those moments of knowing the adversity he’s been through.
“I’ve had a few family members who have had heart surgery. Some of them older, some younger. And to know how long it takes to get back to yourself, to see him play in a college Division I game the same year he had heart surgery was a ‘wow’ moment.”
