LeBron and Bronny James shared the court during Game 1 of the NBA playoffs. Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images
April 18, 2026Updated April 19, 2026 2:09 am EDT
When Bronny James entered the Los Angeles Lakers’ rotation in Game 1 on Saturday, he stepped into history.
As the Lakers opened up the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Houston Rockets, the 21-year-old guard shared the floor with his father, LeBron James, to begin the second quarter. This is the first time a father-son duo has played together in an NBA playoff game.
After the Lakers’ Game 1 win over the Rockets, LeBron James, who scored 19 points and added 13 assists on Saturday, spoke about what that moment was like.
“I was on the floor with my son, like in a playoff game. That’s probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened to me in my career,” LeBron said. “It was just so cool to be out there with him, with his brother and sister and mom in the building, and his grandma. That’s just like, insane. My mom gets to watch her son and her grandson during the playoffs. That’s crazy.”
After logging just four total playoff minutes last season, Bronny James’ role has grown out of need. The Lakers’ injuries to All-Star Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves have opened rotation spots, and he has been in the rotation since the end of the Lakers’ six-game road trip last month.
Apr 19, 2026
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