Harry How/Getty Images
Los Angeles Lakers fans didn’t have to wait long to see history this season.
LeBron James and Bronny James checked in together during the second quarter of Tuesday’s season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves and received a standing ovation. In checking in together, they became the first father-son duo in NBA history to play in a regular-season game together.
While a game between the Lakers and Timberwolves is a potential playoff preview between two possible contenders in the Western Conference, the biggest storyline coming into the contest was the chance of the James duo playing together.
It was NBA history, but it wasn’t sports history.
After all, Gordie Howe played with sons Mark and Marty in the NHL, while Tim Raines and Tim Raines Jr. also played together in MLB. And the most famous father-son duo to play together was Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr.
The baseball legends were in attendance for Tuesday’s game:
The Griffeys actually hit back-to-back home runs when they were playing together on the Seattle Mariners. LeBron James joked it might take a couple of lobs for the Lakers teammates to match that accomplishment:
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James speaks about the significance of Ken Griffey Jr., who has become a friend of his, coming to the game with Griffey Sr. tonight. I asked him for the basketball equivalent of father-son both going yard? “Two lobs. If I catch a lob then Bronny catches a lob” pic.twitter.com/n4XvIt6GwY
It was quite the moment for the Purple and Gold and all those in attendance, but it might not be a regular occurrence.
Bronny James was subbed out shortly after entering the game and isn’t expected to be a major part of the team’s rotation. He is a second-round draft pick in his rookie season and may need some time to adjust to the NBA game.
But he will always be a part of history after Tuesday’s contest.
Read the full article here