LeBron James and Bronny make NBA playoffs history together

A new exceptional chapter was written in NBA history during Game 1 between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets. LeBron James and his son Bronny shared the court in the playoffs, becoming the first father-son duo in history to achieve this feat. A performance that deeply moved the « King, » who finished with 19 points, 13 assists and 8 rebounds in his team’s 107-98 victory.

Bronny James entered the game at the start of the second quarter to join his father on the court. Although his stint was brief – just 4 minutes – and his stat line modest (0 points, 2 fouls, 1 turnover), this moment will be forever etched in basketball history. The second-year guard had only played a few minutes in the previous playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but never at the same time as LeBron.

An exceptional family moment for the James family

Emotion was evident in LeBron James‘ words after the game: « I was on the floor with my son during a playoff game. That’s probably the most surreal thing that’s ever happened to me in my career. It was so cool to be out there with him, with his brother, his sister, his mom in the building, his grandmother too. It’s crazy. My mom got to watch her son and her grandson play in the playoffs. That’s wild. »

This opportunity for Bronny is due to injuries affecting the Lakers‘ roster. Luka Dončić (grade 2 hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (grade 2 oblique strain) are both out for an indefinite period, disrupting JJ Redick’s rotation. The coach has not hesitated to call upon young James, who averaged 17 minutes per game over the last five regular-season games without Dončić and Reaves.

LeBron James, who became the oldest player in history to record a double-double in assists in the playoffs, recalled his own nerves during his early days: « I remember my first playoff game, in 2006 against Washington. I was extremely nervous. Once you get rid of those nerves and you have that first game behind you, you know a little better what to expect. The next time he’s called upon, he’ll be better. »

Game 2 will take place on Tuesday in Los Angeles, and both teams could again be shorthanded. The Rockets were also without Kevin Durant (right knee contusion), their leading scorer. Another opportunity for the James duo to make basketball history.

BRONNY TO LEBRON JAMES 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fZwfqGEy70

— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) April 19, 2026