LeBron James and his son Bronny are making Colorado head coach Deion Sanders jealous of what the two basketball stars are doing on the court.
In the Los Angeles Lakers 118-114 preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns in California, NBA fans in attendance were witnesses to a historic moment. LeBron and Bronny checked in to start the second quarter and in doing so, became the first father-son duo to play with one another in league history.
The elder James is entering his 22nd year in the NBA while the younger James is entering his rookie season at age 20. Considering how historic a feat that is, Sanders posted on social media that watching the Jameses play on the same team has him rethinking what is possible in the world of sports.
“I’m COMING Back to play with my sons to (sic)!” Sanders wrote on X to his followers. “This is HISTORICAL! Give this man his FLOWERS NOW! This speaks to Fatherhood, Excellence & Longevity. @KingJames @BronnyJamesJr.”
Regardless of what stats were put up or who ultimately won the game, the Lakers matchup with the Suns had a deeper meaning for the Jameses . For LeBron, the dream of playing together with his son was also something the 39-year-old had pined for. Although LeBron often stated that if he and Bronny did not play together, it would not be an issue.
But after the loss, LeBron explained just what it meant to be able to play on the same NBA team as his oldest son. “Not real,” LeBron said, per The Athletic . “Still trying to get a little bit used to it but pretty cool. It’s pretty cool for both of us and especially for our family.”
Additionally, LeBron admitted that the reality of playing with his son on the same NBA court hit him as the two discussed who to guard when they were on the floor.
“We stood next to each other and I kinda looked at him, and it was just like, ‘Is this The Matrix or something?’” the NBA legend pondered. “It just didn’t feel real. But it was great to have those moments out here with him.”
LeBron added that being able to play with Bronny “means everything,” which says a lot considering all that he has done in his 20+ years in the NBA. Not only the league, however, but also the impact he has had on NBA fans across the world throughout his two decades as a star in the league.
READ MORE: Anthony Davis admits that LeBron James is acting 'different' during Lakers training camp
READ MORE: LeBron James sets clear rule for son Bronny being his teammate for Lakers
“For someone who didn’t have that growing up, to be able to have that influence on your kids and have influence on your son,” LeBron continued. “Be able to have moments with your son. And ultimately, to be able to work with your son. I think that’s one of the greatest things that a father can ever hope for or wish for.”
For his part, Bronny understood the magnitude of the moment though he was unable to separate “LeBron, the father” from “LeBron, the teammate.” “I’m always thinking about, ‘That’s my dad’ because that’s literally my dad,” Bronny said. “So I just go out there and, when I’m playing, he’s just my teammate. That’s all I’m thinking at that point.”
And while Sanders can only dream about playing on the same team as his children, he is still able to appreciate when history presents itself. For this particular moment, it’s LeBron and Bronny playing together on the Lakers.
Local News
