The Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves in their home opener on Tuesday night, in an event that was not just about the game. Crypto.com Arena was filled with excitement as a star-studded crowd, including the first father-son duo to play on the same MLB team, gathered to witness the historic moment.
Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. were the first father-and-son duo to play on the same Major League Baseball team, and did so for the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and 1991. Their presence at the arena Tuesday was not just a casual visit, but a witness to history. They previously said that they were there to see LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, make history as the first father-and-son pair to play together in the NBA.
Before the game, the anticipation was palpable. Lakers head coach JJ Redick, in a move that added to the suspense, did not indicate whether Bronny would play in the home opener, stating that nothing had been finalized.
But Bronny did get in the game — however briefly — making history while checking in alongside his father.
Bronny's Performance in the Lakers' Season Opener
Bronny James made his NBA debut in the Lakers’ season-opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, checking in alongside his dad with 4:00 remaining in the second quarter with the Lakers up 51-37. LeBron and Bronny are the first father and son to play in the same game in NBA History.
The Lakers went on to defeat the Timberwolves 110-103. Bronny played three minutes and went 0-for-2 from the field. He was credited with a tipped shot — blocked by Rudy Gobert — and an offensive rebound.
The Griffeys and the Jameses: A Historical Moment
When LeBron James and Bronny James take the court for the first time as members of the Los Angeles Lakers, it will be a moment like no other in NBA history. That’s why former MLB stars Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Sr., the first father-son duo to play in the same Major League Baseball game, will be on hand Tuesday night as the Lakers open the 2024-25 regular season at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“First father and son to play baseball, now first father and son to play basketball, so it's a big deal for my dad and I to be there,” Griffey Jr. said on MLB Network Radio earlier this week. “We made history, now we get to watch history.”
Bronny James described the Griffeys being in attendance as “insane.” He added, “I mean, only two families to do it, so it’s going to be a crazy experience, especially (with) what they’ve done.”
The Lakers' Win Over the Timberwolves
The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 110-103 in their season opener at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The Timberwolves had no answer for Anthony Davis, who got it done on both sides of the floor. Davis finished the contest with 36 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal in the win.
The Lakers were more physical and dominated the paint. They also had 14 offensive rebounds compared to Minnesota’s eight.
A Look Ahead for the Lakers
The Lakers have a long season ahead of them, but their opening night win was a positive start. With LeBron and Bronny James now on the roster, the Lakers will be a team to watch this season.
What's Next for Bronny?
Bronny James’s first NBA game will be a memory he will cherish forever. He’s now officially a part of NBA history, as part of the first father-son duo to play in a game together. He’s only going to get better from here, and his future in the NBA is bright.
