The Los Angeles Lakers have an opportunity to make history in 2024-25. With Bronny and LeBron James on the same team, the Lakers can formalize the first-ever father-son duo in NBA history by simply playing them in the same game.
The inevitable media craze, however, revolves around seeing the two share the court in a moment that will likely make the sports world stand still.
It transpired during the preseason, and the response was understandably massive. Their first regular season appearance is what the NBA community is waiting for, however, and a timeline has been provided for when that may transpire.
During a recent appearance on ESPN's SportsCenter, NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that the Lakers plan to play Bronny and LeBron James together as soon as opening night (h/t Adam Wells of Bleacher Report).
"I'm told it's very likely, and the Lakers plan that LeBron James, Bronny James make history as the first father-son duo to be on the court at the same time, and likely to come early in the game as long as it's competitive and it's a flowing game as far as where the Lakers are at early on in that game. I think that's going to be very important. The Lakers want to allow this to happen during the flow of the game in a competitive environment. JJ Redick said on Monday that here is no plan finalized yet for both of them to play together on opening night, but this is something the Lakers have spent a lot of time discussing internally. It's never happened in the NBA before, may never, likely never happen again. You think about LeBron James in Year 22, he's really spoken this into existence. He's been talking about it for the last several years and now it is on the cusp of happening as soon as tonight."
It's a logical approach to a subject that could divide the locker room and the fan base if their debut as a father-son duo is put off for too long.
Bronny James could debut for Lakers on opening night
This is the most rational approach that head coach JJ Redick can take. The topic of Bronny and LeBron James sharing the court for the first time will steal headlines throughout the 2024-25 season, and preventing that from becoming a distraction on opening night would be a wise decision.
Addressing that reality as quickly as possible should save the Lakers from any potential distractions, as well as unjust criticisms of players ahead of Bronny James in the rotation.
It's certainly possible that James could play well enough to usurp some of the players who are projected to play ahead of him. Writing that off as a possibility would be insincere and irresponsible, especially when one considers the concerns that exist about the Lakers' second unit.
It's simply an inevitability that someone with the name value of James will be called upon by fans, even if it isn't the right time for him to be brought in by the coaches.
As for the historic nature of the moment that could transpire against Minnesota, it cannot be overstated how significant it truly is. It's made possible by the fact that James is about to begin his 22nd season in the NBA.
As the James family shares the court for the first time, the elder of the two will simultaneously tie Vince Carter for the most seasons played in NBA history.
As for the younger James, this is a golden opportunity for him to silence his critics. He closed out the preseason on a high note, dropping 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, three steals, and a block, and will seemingly have a chance to prove if the momentum can carry over.
Regardless of what happens on opening night, the Lakers appear poised and ready to end the distractions before they can begin.