LeBron James couldn't believe he shared the court with son Bronny in Lakers preseason: 'Wow that was surreal'

Teddy Ricketson

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LeBron James couldn't believe he shared the court with son Bronny in Lakers preseason: 'Wow that was surreal' image

Some moments in sports just feel surreal. Usually, those moments occur after a team ends a long playoff drought and finally get over the hump, or when an underdog raises its hand in victory. Other times, it is seeing something that just makes you smile and feel the emotions that make sports great. 

LeBron James has a claim to being the greatest basketball player of all time. There isn't much left for him to accomplish in his 21-year career, which will result in likely being a unanimous first ballot Hall of Famer. Still, the James legend continues to grow, and he's still finding ways to bring fans exciting firsts.

The NBA preseason is like the preseason of any other sport. Teams and players are dusting off the rust accumulated in the offseason and are trying to make sure they are the right mix of in shape and healthy for the regular season start. This NBA preseason was different, as all looked for James to share the court with his son Bronny for the first time at a professional level. 

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LeBron James-Bronny James share court

Father Time comes for all athletes, and the questions have been swirling on when James was going to hang it up. In 2024, James will be in his 22nd season. That will tie him with Vince Carter for the most seasons in an NBA career. Many long suspected James was waiting until he could play with his son Bronny before calling it quits, and LeBron finally got that chance in the preseason. 

The Lakers were playing their second preseason game Sunday. They lost the first to the Timberwolves on Friday, and were hosting the Suns in Game 2. LeBron sat the first preseason game with Bronny getting 16 minutes off the bench. In the second quarter of Sunday night's game, though, Bronny checked in and joined his dad on the court. 

LeBron James age

LeBron was born on December 30, 1984. He is 39 and will turn 40 about two months into the NBA's regular season. He was drafted with the first overall pick in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Bronny James age

Bronny was born on October 6, 2004. He turned 20 years old on Sunday night when he played with his dad for the first time. Bronny was a second round pick by the Lakers in this year's NBA Draft. 

LeBron James contract

LeBron signed a two-year max deal with the Lakers ahead of the 2024 season. He will get a fully guaranteed $101.35 million over the course of the deal. The second year of the contract is a player option, per Spotrac. 

Bronny James contract

Bronny signed a four-year, $7.86 million deal with Los Angeles, all of which is guaranteed. That is rare for a second-round pick. 

LeBron James kids

LeBron and his wife Savannah have three children. Bronny is the oldest, followed by LeBron's other son Bryce and his daughter Zhuri. Bryce is 17 years old and Zhuri is nine. 

Teddy Ricketson

Teddy Ricketson Photo

Teddy Ricketson is a Digital Content Producer at The Sporting News. He joined the team in 2024 after spending the last three years writing for Vox Media as part of its DK Nation/Network team. Teddy does his best to support the South Carolina Gamecocks and Carolina Panthers, but tends to have more fun cheering on the Atlanta Braves. In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife, Brooke, and their two dogs, Bo and Hootie.