Mar 28, 2026
3 min read
It wasn't a gimmick, the two were playing side by side, another milestone in an amazing comeback that people often forget about.
INDIANAPOLIS - Two names stood out on Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick's roster in the second half Wednesday night.
The Laker right did his best to stay locked in the game, trying to breathe and focus on the task at hand: stop, play hard, be aggressive.
The two leaned against the blue cushion on the table and waited for the horn to announce their entrance.Each crossed their arms in the same manner.
Late in the third quarter, play was stopped and the announcer said, “In for the Lakers, Bronny James Jr. and LeBron James.
A lot has happened in the 16 months since the teammates made NBA history as the first father and son to play in the same game.For Brony, the novelty has largely worn off as he tries to find a regular spot in the league — even if he looked at the work done by genetics as they stood evenly in the third quarter of the Lakers' 137-130 win Wednesday night.
“I was with him and playing basketball at the same time for a while.So it wasn't that special,” Bronny said after the game.“The first few times were normal.But now it's my second year.And I'm just trying to prove myself.”
With Marcus Smart dealing with an ankle injury and the team poised to bring Hale back home, the Lakers need to find strength.And when they looked at the roster, the coaching staff tapped Broney to deliver.
“I felt like that was the game we really needed.”Reddick said.“His athleticism, his defense…it was a game we saw last year and we’re watching again this year, just his growth as a player.”
But for the player standing next to Bronny on the scorer's table, Wednesday was special.It's not a gimmick, the two play with each other.This is one step of the amazing comeback that people often forget when talking about the second round pick of the Lakers in 2024.
"Especially knowing the routes, you know the routes..." LeBron James told The Athletic "So proud of him. I'm proud of him. And he is, he owns it."
That time certainly changed on July 24, 2023, when Broni suffered a heart attack during a summer practice with the USC basketball team.Trainers and a team of emergency services helped save his life.Surgery corrects a congenital heart defect.
In one of his latest conversations about basketball, LeBron said he looked into his oldest son's eyes — something he hadn't known before the incident.That looks, he said, someone said, "I'm back to where I was," - confidence in his game, body and mentality all match together.
"Physically, mentally, spiritually, mentally, he's back," LeBron said.
Wednesday was a moment that further reinforced the Lakers' belief that Bronny is an NBA player and investing in his development is a wise one, and the announcement that Bronny is a "case study subject" for their player development program bodes well for their plans.
Forget bad NBA stats - eye testEspecially given additional opportunities like Wednesday, it's a positive from Redick and the Lakers that they have a true NBA player on their hands.
After the game, Redick said Bronny's defense was outstanding in the first half.A one-handed shot near the baseline showed the athleticism he is learning.And a late fourth-quarter jumper set the pace for the Pacers' final push.
They all came in the form of the Lakers trying to win the basketball game, wasting enough energy to win for the fifth time in a six-game trip and the plane is going home.
Before the game, the Lakers coaches were worried about the next 48 minutes.The Pacers, fresh off a win over Orlando, feel they are a better team than their 16-57 record suggests.The Lakers are happy and ready to go, and their defenders are almost gone after a series of games against Denver, Houston, Miami, Orlando and Detroit.They were upset - Smart, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton and rookie Adou Thiero could not play.
Thanks to another top starter, Luka Doncic, the Lakers took an early lead.They were 17 when Broney checked late in the first game and led by 22 when he dropped in the second.During his work he never looked outside, never felt that one of them was organized.
"Really, meaningful minutes. I couldn't think of anything better. I couldn't think of anything better than that. I couldn't," LeBron told The Athletic.
"So, for the coaching staff to believe in him tonight, and for him to have significant playing time and make ... plays -- and for me to be on the floor with him -- it's ... I can't, I can't dream of a better feeling.
For those who watch the NBA's G League, Bruin's improvement should come as no surprise.After a slow start in the league finals, he regressed terribly, averaging 15.3 points on 54.6/42.1/90.9 shooting.
This is an example of a difficult payment - some eyeballs, such as those with arms and large verticals, cross the bridge.
"That's what he's cut out for. It's just our family. Our family, we don't do it, we don't half-ass. That's how we run. Our whole family. Everybody. Mom, sister, brother, dad, everybody. That's who we are, that's who we are... where we come from. You," LeBron said.
"So, like I said before, as a kid, he doesn't have to do that. After the situation he's been in, do you think he's going to really have to work to get in shape and play basketball? He could have been like, 'Man, f— this s'. Like, 'I'm going to do what I want.'"
On Wednesday, Broni got what she wanted
"It feels good," he said later."You know, just go out there and play your game, have confidence in yourself. That's what I've always wanted to do."
