LeBron James and his eldest son, Bronny, created a historic moment in NBA history on Sunday, becoming the first father-son duo to play together in the league. The Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason game against the Phoenix Suns marked their much-anticipated debut, with the duo sharing the court during the second quarter.

LeBron, 39, showcased his enduring talent, scoring 19 points in just over 16 minutes before sitting out the second half of the game, which ended in a 118-114 loss for the Lakers. Bronny, who celebrated his 20th birthday, faced a tougher outing, failing to score in his 13 minutes on the floor and attempting only one shot.

For LeBron, the significance of the moment transcended basketball. “It was cool for both of us, especially our family,” he said after the game. “As a father, it means everything. Growing up without a dad, being able to share this with my son is one of the greatest things I could ever hope for.”

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There were moments on the court that felt almost surreal to James Sr., likening the experience to a scene out of “The Matrix.” “We came out of a timeout and stood next to each other. I looked at him, and it just didn’t feel real, but it was a moment I’ll never forget.”

Bronny’s selection in the NBA Draft in June as the Lakers’ 55th pick sparked anticipation of when the duo would make their on-court debut. The wait ended in the second quarter when Lakers coach J.J. Redick introduced Bronny into the game. Redick, reflecting on the historic moment, said, “It’s a thrill as a basketball fan. It speaks to LeBron’s longevity and Bronny’s hard work to reach this level.”

LeBron, entering his 22nd season in the NBA, shared how playing with his son has reinvigorated him. “There’s a lot of excitement and pure joy in coming to work and putting in the effort alongside Bronny. We push each other, and it’s not only meaningful for me but for our entire family.”

Bronny, who is expected to spend most of his rookie year in the G-League, expressed that he uses the criticism surrounding his inclusion in the Lakers roster as motivation. “I’m taking the criticism and turning it into fuel to drive me forward,” he shared.

As the Lakers prepare to open their regular season on October 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, this historic father-son moment is sure to remain a cherished milestone in both of their careers.