Not many NBA rookies get a standing ovation while attending their first professional game, let alone second-round picks.
But that’s exactly the reception Bronny James received Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena when he and Lakers teammate LeBron checked into Tuesday’s season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, becoming the first father-son duo in NBA history.
‘Are you all ready?’ LeBron, 39, can be heard asking his 20-year-old son in the second quarter.
The elder James started the game and was already in his 21st NBA season when younger Bronny was set to make his debut.
‘You see the intensity, right?’ asked LeBron, who had the microphone for the TNT Sports broadcast. ‘But play without worries. Don’t worry about errors. Just go out there and play hard.’
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, and guard Bronny James warm up on Tuesday
Bronny James plays defense in NBA debut as father LeBron watches closely
LeBron James and his son Bronny watch their Lakers teammates play against the Timberwolves
Bronny wasn’t on the microphone, but seemed to answer “yes” to everything his father threw at him.
Then it was time to check in as the Lakers faithful showered the NBA legend and his oldest son with applause.
Although the Lakers were running roughshod over the Timberwolves when James’ gang checked in, Bronny had some trouble, missing a 3-point attempt and a deflected shot by former Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.
The 6-foot-2 Bronny recorded an offensive rebound, but soon left the game as the Lakers were outscored by five points during his three minutes on the court.
Naturally, Mother Savannah and Bronny’s siblings Zhuri and Bryce were also present for the occasion, as were other top celebrities.
Fittingly, LeBron and Bronny took a moment to greet Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr., who were on hand to celebrate the occasion. It was just over 34 years ago that the elder Griffey was released by the Cincinnati Reds, allowing him to sign with the Seattle Mariners to play alongside his son.
In fact, the pair hit back-to-back home runs during a game in September 1990, when they were 40 and 20 years old, respectively.
And they aren’t the only father-son duos in American sports history.
In the 1970s and 1980s, hockey legend Gordie Howe played with his sons Marty and Mark with the Houston Eros of the WHA and the Hartford Whalers of the NHL. Then there were Baseball Hall of Famer Tim Raines and his namesake, who played four games together with the Baltimore Orioles in 2001.
LeBron James, Ken Griffey Sr., Bronny James and Ken Griffey Jr. greet each other on Tuesday
Ken Griffey Jr. (left) playing alongside his son and namesake during the 1990 season
A little fatherly advice as hockey great Gordie Howe accepts a gold record from his sons and teammates Mark and Marty Howe (c) in recognition of his 1,000th goal.
The James family joining that list is notable given Bronny’s health scare last summer. LeBron’s eldest son suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California before undergoing emergency surgery to correct what was diagnosed as a congenital heart defect. As a result, Bronny missed USC’s preseason training camp and the first month of the season.
Ultimately, Bronny struggled to find his rhythm and averaged just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his lone college season before opting to declare for the NBA Draft.
Bronny played in all six of the Lakers’ preseason games, but his 4.2 points per game average was largely boosted by his 17-point performance in last week’s preseason finale in which the Lakers and the Warriors rested most of their key players.
Bronny shot 29.7 percent in the preseason, averaging 1.7 rebounds and 0.3 assists while playing 16.2 minutes per game. His defensive work was praised by Redick, who sees the 6-foot-2 guard developing into a solid perimeter player in the future.
“I had some bad games, some rough starts, so I just kept playing my game and playing hard,” Bronny said before Tuesday’s opener.
Bronny is not expected to be an immediate rotation player for the Lakers, who already have D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent and 2023 first-round pick Jalen Hood-Schifino ahead of him at point guard.
There’s a good chance Bronny starts the season with the Lakers before heading to the G League to get the consistent playing time he likely needs to improve.
But he’s still excited to reach this historic moment, and he’s even pretty sure what he’ll call his dad on the court after LeBron forbid him from using ‘dad.’
“Probably Bron,” Bronny said with a smile. “That’ll probably be the easiest.”