PALM DESERT — It’s common to downplay the significance of preseason games since they don’t count in the official statistical or standings record books. But that doesn’t mean meaningful moments can’t happen.
And the Lakers’ exhibition against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night provided the best example.
When LeBron and Bronny James took the floor together at the start of the second quarter, they made history by becoming the first father and son to play together in an NBA game. And they did it as teammates.
During his pregame news conference, Lakers coach JJ Redick didn’t disclose whether the father and son would play at the same time after the elder James sat out of Friday’s preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
But he acknowledged that it’s “surreal” having them on the same team.
“It’ll be fun when they’re on the court together,” Redick said before Sunday’s game. “I’m excited about it. I’m very honored that I get to be part of history.”
Redick said the historic moment would not be “gimmicky” and would happen “in the flow of the game.”
The James’ teammates have acknowledged how special it is to play alongside the father-son duo.
“I’ve been around those guys a good bit now, so for me, it’s really off the court,” D’Angelo Russell said after Saturday’s practice. “You kind of see the words of wisdom that Bron’s dropping whenever he gets the chance. Pulling his little one to the side, dropping jewels whenever he gets the chance.
“That’s a cheat to the test, right? You got somebody that has all the answers. That’s the ultimate advantage that Bronny has knowing his dad is the teacher and the test. So it’s good to have that.”
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LeBron James, who is entering his 22nd NBA season, has been speaking of the possible opportunity to play alongside his oldest son for several years and the Lakers made it possible when they drafted Bronny James Jr. with the 55th overall pick in June.
LeBron, 39, and Bronny’s time on the court together in the second quarter was short-lived, with Bronny, who was celebrating his 20th birthday, subbing out just two minutes into the quarter.
But those couple of minutes are ones neither of them will likely ever forget.
LeBron and Bronny will have to wait at least two more weeks before they have the opportunity to share the floor in a regular-season game when the Lakers kick off the season against the Timberwolves on Oct. 22.
More to come on this story.