NBA regular season Lakers defeated Timberwolves, James and his son made history together on the stage

On October 23, the 2024-2025 NBA regular season officially kicked off, with the Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-103 at home. This game marked a historic moment as LeBron James and his son Bronny became the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA regular season game.

LeBron made his mark early in the game, and towards the end of the second quarter, after a timeout, Bronny entered the game to join his father on the court. Before Bronny stepped in, LeBron was seen giving him some advice from the sidelines, encouraging him not to worry about making mistakes.

The Lakers quickly found their rhythm, ending the first half with a 55-42 lead. However, the Timberwolves made a strong push in the second half, narrowing the deficit. In the end, the Lakers regained control and secured the win. LeBron finished the game with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Bronny had limited playing time, recording only a rebound without scoring.

While this game is just one in a long regular season, its significance is amplified by the presence of the James duo. Born in 2004, Bronny is LeBron’s eldest son and plays as a shooting guard. With the weight of his father’s legacy, Bronny has faced high expectations since childhood. LeBron has expressed his desire to compete alongside Bronny for the past couple of years, making this moment even more special.

In June, Bronny was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 55th overall pick in the NBA Draft, turning the dream of “father and son on the same team” into reality. Since then, every move he makes both on and off the court has been under close scrutiny.

Ahead of the season opener, Bronny arrived at the arena surrounded by media. His resemblance to a young LeBron was striking; 21 years ago, LeBron himself debuted with a similar level of anticipation. It’s worth noting that LeBron’s first game in the 2003-2004 season was nothing short of explosive, as he scored 25 points, along with 9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals against the Sacramento Kings, launching his legendary career.

Reflecting on the last 21 years, LeBron has inscribed his name in countless historical moments, including surpassing 40,000 career points last season, a feat no one in the NBA had accomplished before.

For Bronny, surpassing his father’s legacy presents an uphill battle. Athletically, LeBron clearly holds the upper hand, and comparing their performances during high school reveals a noticeable gap in skill levels.

Last July, Bronny faced a major health scare when he collapsed during a practice due to cardiac arrest and was rushed to the hospital. After months of recovery, he received medical clearance to return to the court in December. Reports indicate that Bronny underwent surgery to repair a congenital heart defect.

Given these circumstances, when the Lakers chose Bronny, reactions varied from support to skepticism regarding the “father-son duo.” Objectively, the Lakers currently face challenges in becoming serious contenders for the championship. Perhaps this season will be more about personal growth and overcoming doubts, much like what LeBron has done throughout his career.