(VitalNews.org) -Marking a never-before-seen event, LeBron and Bronny James made NBA history as the first father-son duo to play together in a preseason game during a Lakers vs. Suns matchup.
The game took place in Palm Springs, California, the exact day Bronny was also turning 20 years old.
LeBron James, who just entered his 22nd NBA season, has long discussed his desire to play alongside his son.
The game’s outcome was less than stellar for the James duo and the Lakers. They lost to the Suns 118-114, with Bronny’s performance leaving much to be desired.
He entered the game in the second quarter but went scoreless with two rebounds and four turnovers in 13 minutes of play.
This lackluster debut raises questions about whether Bronny’s spot on the team is truly earned or a result of his father’s influence.
LeBron James, who scored 19 points with five rebounds and four assists in the first half, recently signed a new two-year contract with the Lakers worth $101.35 million.
Some critics have seen this massive paycheck and LeBron’s opportunity to play with his son as a concerning trend of star players wielding excessive power over team management and potentially compromising the competitive balance of the league.
Lakers coach JJ Redick attempted to downplay concerns, insisting that LeBron and Bronny playing together was not a gimmick.
However, the fact remains that Bronny was the Lakers’ second-round draft pick after just one season at Southern California, and he is expected to spend much of the season with the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
This trajectory raises questions about whether he would have received the same opportunities without his famous last name.
As the Lakers prepare for their regular season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this father-son experiment unfolds.
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