PALM DESERT — It’s common to downplay the significance of preseason games since they don’t count in the official statistical or standings record books. But that doesn’t mean meaningful moments can’t happen.
And the Lakers’ 118-114 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at Acrisure Arena provided the best example.
When LeBron and Bronny James took the floor together at the start of the second quarter, they made history by becoming the first father and son to play together in an NBA game. And they did it as teammates.
During his pregame news conference, coach JJ Redick didn’t disclose whether the father and son would play at the same time, saying it would “happen in the flow of a game” and not be “gimmicky”.
And that’s exactly what happened on Sunday.
“It’ll be fun when they’re on the court together,” Redick said pregame. “I’m excited about it. I’m very honored that I get to be part of history.”
The elder James, who didn’t play in Friday’s preseason-opening loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, looked spry in his first exhibition, finishing with 19 points (8-of-12 shooting, 2 of 3 on 3-pointers), five rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots in 16 first-half minutes.
Anthony Davis, who also made his preseason debut, had 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal in 18 minutes.
LeBron and Davis didn’t play in the second half, with Max Christie and Jaxson Hayes starting the third quarter in their places. The Suns also sat their star players – Devin Booker (12 points, three assists), Kevin Durant (six points, five rebounds) and Bradley Beal (11 points) – in the second half, which the Lakers entered leading 69-57.
Rui Hachimura (13 points, eight rebounds) and D’Angelo Russell (14 points, four assists) also scored in double figures.
Redick acknowledged that it’s “surreal” having LeBron and Bronny on the same team.
The James’ teammates have acknowledged how special it is to play alongside the father-son duo.
“I’ve been around those guys a good bit now, so for me, it’s really off the court,” D’Angelo Russell said after Saturday’s practice. “You kind of see the words of wisdom that Bron’s dropping whenever he gets the chance. Pulling his little one to the side, dropping jewels whenever he gets the chance.
“That’s a cheat to the test, right? You got somebody that has all the answers. That’s the ultimate advantage that Bronny has knowing his dad is the teacher and the test. So it’s good to have that.”
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LeBron James, who is entering his 22nd NBA season, has been speaking of the possible opportunity to play alongside his oldest son for several years and the Lakers made it possible when they drafted Bronny James Jr. with the 55th overall pick in June.
LeBron, 39, and Bronny’s time on the court together in the second quarter was short-lived, with Bronny, who was celebrating his 20th birthday, subbing out just two minutes into the quarter.
But those couple of minutes are ones neither of them will likely ever forget.
LeBron and Bronny will have to wait at least two more weeks before they have the opportunity to share the floor in a regular-season game when the Lakers kick off the season against the Timberwolves on Oct. 22.