Warriors reportedly considered drafting Bronny James at No. 52, passed out of respect to LeBron

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Lakers News: Bronny James Was Almost Drafted By Direct Rival Ahead of LA's Pick

CBS News

Lakers preseason opener: Bronny James narrowly avoids scoreless debut as Dalton Knecht steals show

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Bronny James makes NBA preseason debut, with LeBron watching from the bench

Warriors considered drafting Bronny James No. 52 overall ahead of Lakers pick, per report

It may have been a pre-season game — but in taking the floor in their LA Lakers uniforms on Sunday night, LeBron and Bronny James nonetheless made history, becoming the first father and son to suit up for the same NBA franchise at the same time.

The result ended in a 118-114 loss for the Los Angeles side that come at the hands of the Phoenix Suns in Arcisure Arena — but it was nonetheless a momentous night for the father and son, as well as fans alike. For Bronny, it was his 20th birthday, playing with dad after being drafted by the Lakers with the 55th pick of the draft.

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"I'm always thinking about 'That's my dad' because that's literally my dad," Bronny said. "So I just go out there and, when I'm playing, he's just my teammate. That's all I'm thinking at that point."

The rookie has shown sparks but struggled in his first two outings as a Laker. On Saturday, in a 124-107 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, played with LeBron watching from the sidelines, Bronny missed his first five shots before scoring in the last minute of the game, ending the night 1 of 6.

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Bronny — who wears a #9 jersey emblazoned with "James Jr." — ended his second game scoreless, missing the only shot he took, and finished with four turnovers.

Nonetheless, coaches and teammates see potential. "He's tough," Lakers' center Anthony Davis said. "Obviously, he's defensive-minded. Some great blocks, game one. The physicality. He gets over on screens, good with his hands as far as deflection and steals. But he's also still learning."

For dad, 39-year-old LeBron James, wearing the Lakers' colors with his son on Sunday was something special. "For a father, it means everything," James said. "For someone who didn't have that growing up, to be able to have that influence on your kids and have influence on your son. Be able to have moments with your son. And ultimately, to be able to work with your son. I think that's one of the greatest things that a father can ever hope for or wish for."

For 39-year-old LeBron James, after all his years of greatness, to enter into his 22nd season in the NBA after winning another Olympic Gold, and to get to do that playing for the Lakers alongside his eldest son — now that's something pretty special.

LeBron, Bronny James first father and son to play together

For Bronny, this is about new beginnings. Just over 16 months ago, he had a cardiac arrest on the grounds of USC and the fact that he's here on the professional stage is already an impressive enough feat. Now it's about learning and getting better day-by-day.

Bronny James hails ‘new beginnings’ in NBA debut, and LeBron is proud. They could play together next

There is a 50% chance that LeBron James will have scored at least 42.6K or more regular season points when he retires, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

LeBron and Bronny James Make NBA History

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LeBron and Bronny James Make NBA History

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