LeBron James and son Bronny made history on Sunday as they became the first father-and-son duo to play together in an NBA game. They accomplished this feat while both sporting LeBron’s signature Nike shoes.
The four-time NBA champion sported black and purple LeBron 21 sneakers during their preseason game against the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert, California while his rookie son Bronny donned a red LeBron Nike NXXT Gen AMPD PE.
Check out photos of their shoes below, courtesy of Nick DePaula:
The historic moment took place at the start of the second quarter against the Suns when Bronny stepped onto the court alongside his father. In one of the sequences upon his entry, the younger James received a pass from LeBron for a 3-pointer, which he missed.
Their time on the court together was brief, lasting just four minutes and nine seconds before Bronny was substituted out with 7:51 remaining in the second quarter after committing an offensive foul and three turnovers.
The Lakers had themselves a battle against the Suns and eventually lost, 118-114. LeBron James had 19 points, five rebounds four assists and two blocks in 16 minutes on the floor. Bronny played a total of 13 minutes and failed to score a point.
LeBron James could not be more proud to see his son Bronny James live his NBA dreams after a challenging year in his basketball journey.
Ahead of their historic moment on Sunday, LeBron James was excited to see his eldest child showcasing his skills on the court, especially after overcoming health issues and a tough freshman season in college before being drafted in the second round by the LA Lakers.
LeBron James said via The Associated Press after practice on Saturday:
“It was great to see Bronny out there.”
He added:
“Every rank that you climb is always an adjustment to get used to it… So with more and more time he’s on the floor with the pros, the speed, the cadence and all those things, you get better and better. And you’ve got to (remember) that he lost pretty much almost a third of a season last year because of the condition, but he’s got better and better every day. He’s continues to put the work in.”
Bronny, who turned 20 on Sunday, was selected 55th overall in this year’s NBA Draft after playing one season at USC, where he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games.
He missed the early part of the Trojans’ campaign while recovering from the cardiac arrest he suffered during workouts.