LeBron, Bronny James Make NBA History as First Father-Son Assist Duo

The James family etched their names in the record books with a memorable 3-pointer in a Lakers win over the Nets.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with overlapping planes of the Lakers' purple and gold colors and the Nets' black and white hues, capturing the energy and movement of the historic father-son assist.The historic father-son assist between LeBron and Bronny James showcases the unique bond and basketball legacy of the James family.Los Angeles Today

In a second-quarter sequence during the Lakers' 116-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, LeBron James found an open Bronny James on the left wing for a 3-pointer, marking the first time a father and son have recorded an assist to each other in an NBA game. The younger James, who was selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 draft, has been working his way into the rotation after a cardiac incident disrupted his college career at USC.

Why it matters

The historic father-son assist highlights the unique opportunity for the James family to share the NBA court together, a rarity in professional sports. It also showcases Bronny's continued development and growing confidence as he carves out a role with the Lakers, just a few years removed from a serious health scare.

The details

With the Nets' defense focused on LeBron, the 41-year-old veteran found an open Bronny on the left wing, and the 21-year-old rookie knocked down the 3-pointer to cut the Nets' lead to two points. The play made the James duo the first father-son pair to record an assist to each other in NBA history.

  • On March 28, 2026, LeBron and Bronny James made NBA history with their father-son assist.
  • Bronny James was selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft after his freshman season at USC was disrupted by a cardiac incident.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA veteran and 4-time champion, currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bronny James

A 21-year-old rookie, selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft after his college career at USC was disrupted by a cardiac incident.

Brooklyn Nets

The opposing team that the Lakers were playing against when the historic father-son assist occurred.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, who has been pleased with Bronny James' development and confidence.

Austin Reaves

A Lakers teammate of Bronny James, who was present when Bronny shared a story about beating LeBron in a one-on-one game.

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What they’re saying

“It was a special moment with us two and a lot more to come down the road.”

— Bronny James, Lakers Rookie

“Just not take it for granted being in a moment of us being on the floor once again, that's two games back-to-back, playing meaningful minutes.”

— LeBron James, Lakers Veteran

“I've gotten more and more reps being comfortable shooting behind the NBA line. Gotten more and more comfortable for me to just shoot it without thinking. Nothing much to it, but just getting reps in and keeping at it and keeping working on my game.”

— Bronny James, Lakers Rookie

“It's just getting back to where it was before the incident. He's always been able to shoot the ball. He shot the ball at a high level pretty much throughout his years of playing ball. So, I just think there's confidence in the rhythm and just getting the strength back and his wind and everything. Everything is just coming back.”

— LeBron James, Lakers Veteran

“Last time I played him one-on-one -- I don't know if this story has come out -- he broke a backboard at our house in Miami.”

— Bronny James, Lakers Rookie

What’s next

The James family will look to continue making history as Bronny continues to earn more playing time and opportunities to share the court with his father.

The takeaway

The historic father-son assist between LeBron and Bronny James is a testament to the James family's basketball legacy and Bronny's perseverance in overcoming a major health scare to carve out an NBA career. It's a moment that will be remembered for years to come.