By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
LeBron and Bronny James became the first father and son to play together in the NBA on Tuesday.
With the Los Angeles Lakers logging a win, 110-103, versus the Minnesota Timberwolves in crypto.com Arena to start the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season, 39-year-old LeBron and 20-year-old Bronny shared the court for just over two minutes late in the first half.
“It is always family over everything,” the four-time NBA champion talked about sacrifices during his career leading to this historic moment, “It is one of the greatest gifts I have ever got from the man above and I am gonna take full advantage of it.”
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LeBron chipped in 16 points over 35 minutes. Debuting in the NBA, his son had one rebound in three minutes.
“Going up to that scorers table with my dad, checking in for the first time. That was a crazy moment I will never forget,” said the younger James, “I am just extremely grateful for everything. I was given an amazing opportunity to come into this league and get better every day.”
For the team coached by JJ Redick, French Armel Traore was left out of the lineup.
On the losing end, French Rudy Gobert started and a posted a double-double, besides agreeing on a contract extension. Bosnian Luka Garza stayed on the bench and Dutch Jesse Edwards did not suit up.
Ring and banner ceremony in Boston
Opening the 2024-25 Regular Season, the Boston Celtics celebrated the 18th championship in franchise history and routed the New York Knicks, 132-109, in TD Garden. A record-tying 29 three-pointers by the players guided by Joe Mazzulla complemented the party.
Rehabbing from surgery on his foot, Latvian Kristaps Porzingis was sidelined, as expected. Portuguese Neemias Queta was active but did not generate a stat over four minutes.
For the visitors, British starter O.G. Anunoby went 1/7 from the field in a four-point showing to go with five rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Coming off the bench in their first NBA appearance, French Pacome Dadiet paired three points with one rebound over 13 minutes and German Ariel Hukporti registered four rebounds alongside one block in six minutes.