LOS ANGELES — LeBron James found himself closely guarded by a pair of Brooklyn Nets players during the second period of Friday’s match, but his ensuing assist after breaking the double-team led to the surname James appearing twice in the official play-by-play for the identical action: B. James 26′ 3PT Jump Shot (L. James)
LeBron’s delivery from the arc’s apex located an unguarded Bronny James positioned on the left flank. Upon his shot swishing through the hoop, the Los Angeles Lakers colleagues forged history, achieving the NBA’s inaugural father-son assist.
“It was a momentous occasion for the two of us, with many more anticipated in the future,” Bronny declared, whose score reduced the Nets’ advantage from five points to two in L.A.’s eventual 116-99 victory.
BRONNY ➡️ LEBRON ➡️ BRONNY
THE FIRST FATHER-SON ASSIST IN NBA HISTORY! pic.twitter.com/qWGcYLayLi
— NBA (@NBA) March 28, 2026
His father felt especially gratified witnessing his 21-year-old offspring commence receiving some court time for the Lakers, subsequent to his selection as the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft. This followed his debut season at USC, which was interrupted by experiencing a cardiac arrest during an offseason training session.
“Simply, to not undervalue this instant where we are together on the court once more; that marks consecutive games playing significant minutes,” LeBron remarked, alluding to Bronny’s 13 minutes during a triumph against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.
“I consistently executed the correct maneuver. I drew a double-team, and he deftly faked a pass to the corner before sinking the three-pointer. Hence, it was undeniably a memorable occasion for us and for the entire family.”
Bronny boasts a 40% success rate on three-point attempts in his sophomore NBA campaign, performing even more impressively in the G League, where he has achieved a 41.7% shooting percentage for the South Bay Lakers.
“I’ve accumulated increasing repetitions, growing more at ease with shooting from beyond the NBA arc,” Bronny stated. “It’s become progressively easier for me to simply launch the ball instinctively. There’s not much to it, other than consistently practicing and persisting in refining my play.”
LeBron mentioned observing a resurgence of the self-assurance that distinguished his son in high school and AAU basketball, almost three years subsequent to that summer training session at USC that necessitated his hospitalization.
“It’s simply reverting to its prior state, preceding the occurrence,” LeBron asserted. “He has consistently demonstrated an ability to shoot. He maintained a high level of shooting proficiency virtually across his years participating in basketball. Consequently, I believe his confidence stems from his rhythm, and regaining his physical strength, stamina, and overall condition. Everything is indeed recuperating.”
All aspects are settling back for Bronny, encompassing the self-belief to engage in playful verbal sparring with his father.
Though Bronny conveyed his delight in competing alongside LeBron on Friday, he additionally disclosed an incident from their most recent one-on-one match.
“The previous occasion I faced him individually — I’m uncertain if this tale has been told — he shattered a backboard at our residence in Miami,” Bronny recounted.
Austin Reaves, situated at the adjacent locker to Bronny as he divulged the anecdote, chimed in.
“Was your victory the reason?” Reaves inquired.
Bronny affirmed with a nod.
“Indeed!” Reaves enthusiastically exclaimed. “You’re permitted to mention that. Don’t omit that detail!”
In the end, aside from completing the family narrative, Bronny simply wishes to remain a part of the Lakers’ player rotation.
“He consistently stands prepared to compete,” remarked Lakers head coach JJ Redick. “[He] sank a crucial three-pointer when affairs were becoming somewhat erratic during the second quarter due to several turnovers. And, you know… I am genuinely pleased with his current standing, and highly assured about his prospective development as an athlete.”
Bronny appears to be echoing that self-assurance as well.
“I’ve harbored a desire to engage in basketball throughout my entire existence, thus I recognized it would eventually become my profession,” Bronny declared. “It’s the realization of a lifelong ambition. I am immensely fortunate to be able to pursue basketball as a career, and I cherish every solitary moment of it. My colleagues welcome it. I maintain close friendships with all my teammates and my mentors. I am simply content to be present.”