NBA
When will LeBron James and Bronny play together for the Lakers for the first time?
Bronny James made his Lakers debut in the California Classic, while LeBron is getting ready to represent the United States at the 2024 Olympics.
After months of rumours, we now know that LeBron James will indeed team up with son Bronny for the Los Angeles Lakers in what will be the NBA’s first ever father-son duo.
How LeBron and Bronny James ended up together at the Lakers
James Jr’s 2024 NBA Draft prospects - not to mention his life - were thrown into disarray when he suffered a cardiac arrest while preparing for his freshman year at USC in July 2023. Five months later, however, he was back on the court and despite (understandably) not shining in 2023/24, was selected by the Lakers as the 55th pick in the second round of the draft.
There had been some doubt as to whether LeBron would stick around after five years in Los Angeles, with the 39-year-old holding off on opting in to the final year of his contract. In the end, James Sr agreed a new, two-year deal, which includes a player option next summer and a no-trade clause. Reports have claimed he has signed a below-max $101.35 million contract, taking a pay cut of $2.65 million to help his franchise out.
With both Jameses now signed up for the 2024/25 season, attention turns to the historic moment when they take to the court together for the very first time.
Will Bronny James play in the NBA or the G League?
Bronny has already made his Lakers debut. On Saturday, he was part of the team that lost to the Sacramento Kings in the California Classic Summer League. The 19-year-old played for 21:43 minutes, registering only four points, four assists, two rebounds and a steal. He struggled with three-pointers, missing all three attempted.
New head coach JJ Redick has already hinted Bronny is being viewed as a long-term prospect, which means he is likely to spend much of his rookie year playing for the South Bay Lakers in the G League. That will limit opportunities for him to play with his father once the season gets underway, but perhaps it could happen before then?
When do the Lakers play next? Preseason schedule
The Lakers’ participation in the California Classic ends on Wednesday July 10, with LeBron not involved in any of their three games. The veteran forward is instead getting ready to play for the United States at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, having missed the 2016 and 2020 events. He previously won gold medals in 2008 and 2012, and a bronze in 2004.
The men’s basketball tournament runs from the Saturday July 27 until Saturday August 10, with the Lakers having no games scheduled in the immediate aftermath. The summer is, of course, a typically quiet time in the NBA.
They have, though, already revealed some details of their preseason games, which could be the first time we see LeBron and Bronny team up together. As it stands, the California franchise will begin preseason by facing the Minnesota Timberwolves at Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs on October 4, which may well be the moment.
They will then face the Phoenix Suns at the same venue on October 6, followed by the Golden State Warriors at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on October 15. No date has as yet been set for the start of the 2024/25 NBA season, although it is expected to be some time in the last two weeks of October.