Feb 20, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates victory over the Portland Trail Blazers with his son guard Bronny James (9) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

'It’s Different When Your Dad’s on the Team' – Los Angeles Lakers’ Bronny James Candidly Recalls His Historic NBA Debut

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 9:23 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James recently reflected on his first NBA game alongside his father, LeBron James, describing it as an unforgettable experience. During the Los Angeles Lakers’ opening game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Bronny and LeBron James became the first father-son duo to share the floor in NBA history.

“It was nuts. It was crazy. It was a crazy experience to be a part of, but like the nervousness. It was out of the roof,” the younger James said on Grant Horvat Golf’s YouTube channel.

“I wasn’t shaking, but you know, I was ready to go out and play, but it’s different when your dad’s on the team. You got expectations. The Lakers, franchise has expectations,” he added. “Yeah, for sure, I’m a basketball head, so it was fun to just be out there and step on an NBA floor for the first time. It was crazy.”

Jan 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Bronny James (9) slap hands before a substitution during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

In the 110-103 win, Bronny and LeBron James checked in on the game during the last few minutes of the first half, when the Los Angeles Lakers were up 52-35. Bronny had one rebound and missed his two shots in less than three minutes of action.

Former Los Angeles Lakers forward has high hopes for Bronny James

Matt Barnes thinks that Bronny James should continue to improve after an up-and-down rookie campaign. According to the former Los Angeles Lakers swingman, he wouldn’t be surprised if Bronny contends for a spot in the All-Star team someday.

Feb 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Drew Eubanks (15) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

“Bronny is tough from a standpoint of he is always going to be compared to his day. Obviously, LeBron’s son is both a gift and a curse,” Barnes said on BigBoyTV.

“Will he be a superstar like his dad? Probably not. But, I wouldn’t doubt that he has a chance to be an All-Star or Sixth Man of the Year. He is a very smart, talented player, who plays basketball the right way. He is someone that I think he could have used another year or two in college,” he added.