LeBron James and Son Bronny Make NBA History

The Lakers' $109 million father-son duo becomes the first in league history.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:32pm

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The Los Angeles Lakers enjoyed a dominant 116-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night, led by Luka Doncic's 41 points and Austin Reaves' 26. But the real story was the historic moment when LeBron James literally passed the ball to his son Bronny James, marking the first time a father and son have played together in an NBA game.

Why it matters

This moment represents a passing of the torch from one generation to the next, as the 38-year-old LeBron James shares the court with his 18-year-old son Bronny. It's a historic milestone that showcases the longevity of LeBron's career and the rise of the next James basketball prodigy.

The details

With the game well in hand, Lakers coach Darvin Ham subbed in Bronny James late in the fourth quarter, allowing the 18-year-old rookie to share the court with his father LeBron for the first time in their NBA careers. The two connected on a pass, making them the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game.

  • The Lakers defeated the Nets 116-99 on Friday, March 29, 2026.
  • Bronny James entered the game in the fourth quarter, playing alongside his father LeBron.

The players

LeBron James

A 38-year-old NBA superstar and four-time champion, playing in his 23rd NBA season, all with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bronny James

LeBron James' 18-year-old son, who was recently drafted by the Lakers and is playing his rookie season in the NBA.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' star player who scored 41 points in the win over the Nets.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' second-year guard who scored 26 points in the victory.

Darvin Ham

The Lakers' head coach who subbed in Bronny James late in the game to play alongside his father LeBron.

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What they’re saying

“This is a moment I'll never forget. To be able to share the court with my son in an NBA game, it's truly special.”

— LeBron James

What’s next

The Lakers will look to build on this momentum as they push for a playoff spot in the highly competitive Western Conference.

The takeaway

LeBron James' historic moment with his son Bronny represents the culmination of his legendary career and the passing of the torch to the next generation of NBA superstars. This father-son duo has made history, showcasing the enduring legacy of the James family in professional basketball.