• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is open through Nov. 6 Learn More

Bronny James’s Debut Looms Over Lakers Opener

  • LeBron James and Bronny James became the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA.
  • The two checked in the game together with four minutes left in the first half.
Bronny James (left) and his father, LeBron James
Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

LOS ANGELES — There was an anticipatory mood at Crypto.com Arena hours before tip-off of the Lakers opener. For a franchise chasing its 18th championship, the biggest story was the debut of a second-round pick.

Bronny James Jr. was expected to make his NBA debut alongside his father and one of the greatest players in NBA history, LeBron James during Los Angeles’s season opener Tuesday against the Timberwolves.

Fans all over the arena could be heard yapping about Bronny, and phones were focused on him and his father during warmups. The star-studded courtside scene in Los Angeles—highlighted by the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Lil Wayne—included several fans seated directly beside the visitor’s bench in No. 9 “James Jr.” jerseys.

JJ Redick—whose debut as a head coach with zero professional coaching experience would have been the top story in nearly any other season—was swamped with questions about the James family during his pregame press conference.

“We had a couple of conversations around it,” Redick said about the potential historic moment. “I think everybody is on the same page. You know, we want it to sort of make sense, and we want it to happen naturally and in the flow of a game.”

With four minutes left in the second quarter and the Lakers ahead, 51–35, Redick executed the plan. Father and son approached the scorer’s table together during a dead ball.

There was a delayed reaction from the crowd as fans realized only the two were checking in as they were removing their warmups. Most of the arena eventually got on their feet to acknowledge history: LeBron James and Bronny James Jr. became the first father-son duo to play in the same NBA game.

But the pair’s entrance was perhaps the only notable moment between the two during the game—James Jr. played just two minutes, 41 seconds—other than a pregame picture with Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., the father-son duo who played together in MLB in 1990.

There was nearly an iconic on-court moment as the older James drove to the basket and kicked it out to his son for a right wing three, but the shot fell short. James Jr. would not play another second, finishing with one rebound on 0-for-2 from the field. The Lakers held on for the win, 110–103.

A Jerry West Ode

Amid the James family buzz, the Lakers also spent its home opener celebrating Jerry West, the legendary player, coach, and executive who died in June.

West’s iconic No. 44 jersey was given to every fan in attendance. The team also honored West—the silhouette on the NBA’s logo—with a halftime tribute video.

However, West and the Lakers’ relationship had a contentious end in the late 1990s. 

“I almost wish that I had never played or worked for them,” West told ESPN in 2019. Following his time with the Lakers, West ended up as a successful executive and consultant for the Grizzlies, Warriors, and Clippers—the last of which is expected to also honor West during its season opener Wednesday.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Missouri Becomes 39th State to Legalize Sports Gambling

Missouri was the only state with sports gambling on its ballot this election cycle.
Jan 22, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on after scoring during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center.

Joel Embiid Suspended Three Games for Shoving Journalist

The columnist wrote about Embiid’s son and late brother.
Nov 2, 2024; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney reacts during the fourth quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Memorial Stadium.

Dabo Swinney Encounters Voting Mix-Up on Election Day

“They done voted me out of the state, lost a game,” Swinney joked.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

The NFL Player Set to Inherit a US Potato Empire

0:00

Featured Today

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.
The start of the New York City Marathon

Influencer Matt Choi DQ’d and Banned From New York City Marathon 

Several people with Choi rode e-bikes and filmed him on the course.
Caitlin Clark (left) and Kate Martin
October 28, 2024

Unrivaled Lands Caitlin Clark’s Pal With Three Spots Remaining

The upstart league announced its deal with Kate Martin on Monday.
Diamondbacks pitcher Jordan Montgomery
November 1, 2024

Jordan Montgomery Opts In With D-Backs After Owner Called Him ‘Our Biggest Mistake’

Montgomery went from World Series hero to dud in the desert. 
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Dwyane Wade statue unveiling, Oct. 27, 2024
October 28, 2024

The Dwyane Wade Sculptor Explains Himself

Wade was closely involved with the artists in the creation of the statue.
Jul 20, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) during qualifying for the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
October 28, 2024

Kyle Busch Left Out of NASCAR’s Netflix Series Again

“They didn’t ask me,” Busch said in an interview with Front Office Sports.
October 27, 2024

Tua Tagovailoa ‘Felt Normal’ in Return From Third Concussion

Some independent analysts had recommended the 26-year-old Tagovailoa retire.
October 27, 2024

Dave Roberts Says Ohtani ‘in a Great Spot,’ Will Play in Game 3

The Dodgers say they are “encouraged” by Ohtani’s condition ahead of further testing.