LeBron and Bronny James became the first father-son duo to record assists for each other

LOS ANGELES — Two Brooklyn Nets defenders pinned LeBron James in the second quarter of Friday’s game, but his subsequent pass outside of a double team resulted in James’ last name being recorded on the official play twice for the same action: Quick shot 3PT by P. James (James) 26′

LeBron’s feed from the top of the key found Ronny James open on the left wing. When his shot hit the net, the Los Angeles Lakers teammates made history with the first NBA assist between a father and son.

“It was a special moment between us and we have a lot to come,” said Bronny, who cut the Nets’ lead from five to two in Los Angeles’ eventual 116-99 win.

Bronny ➡️ LeBron ➡️ Bronny

The first father and son assists in NBA history! pic.twitter.com/qWGcYLayLi

– NBA (@NBA) March 28, 2026

His father was especially proud to see his 21-year-old son begin to get some playing time with the Lakers after being selected with the 55th pick in the 2024 draft, after his freshman season at USC was disrupted by a cardiac arrest during summer practice.

“Don’t take it for granted that we’re in a moment where we’re down on the floor again, this is two games in a row and we’ve played meaningful minutes,” LeBron said, referring to Bronny’s 13 minutes in a win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.

“I always made the right play. I got a double and he was able to get the ball to the corner and then hit the three. So, it’s definitely a great moment for us and the family as well.”

Bronny is shooting 40% on 3-pointers in his second season in the NBA, and even better in the G League, where he hit 41.7% for the South Bay Lakers.

“I’m getting more and more reps that feel comfortable shooting behind the line in the NBA,” Bruni said. “It’s become more comfortable for me to shoot it without thinking. There’s not a lot to it, but just getting the reps and getting on with it and continuing to work on my game.”

LeBron said he is beginning to see the return of the confidence that made his son a standout in high school and AAU basketball nearly three years after a summer workout at USC sent him to the hospital.

“Things are back to how they were before the accident,” LeBron said. “He’s always been able to hit the ball. He’s hit the ball at a high level almost all the years he’s been playing ball. So, I think there’s confidence in the rhythm and getting the power back and the wind and everything. It’s all just coming back.”

Everything falls back into place for Brony, including the confidence to talk trash with his father.

While Bronny shared his joy at playing with LeBron on Friday, he also revealed what happened the last time he played against him.

“The last time I played one-on-one with him – I don’t know if this story came out or not – he broke the backboard of our house in Miami,” Bruni said.

He was interrupted by Austin Reeves, who was in the locker next to Bronny when he shared the story.

“Was it because you won?” Reeves asked.

Bruni nodded affirmatively.

“Yes!” Reeves expressed enthusiastically. “You can say that. Don’t leave that!”

Ultimately, in addition to completing the family story, Bronny doesn’t want to be left out of the Lakers’ rotation.

“He’s always ready to play,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “He scored a big 3-pointer when things were getting a little rough in the second quarter with some turnovers. And you know… I’m really happy with where he’s at, very confident where he’s at as a player.”

Bronny is starting to look like he shares that confidence too.

“I’ve wanted to play basketball my whole life, so I knew this was going to be my job at some point,” Bruni said. “It’s a dream come true. I’m so lucky to be able to play basketball for a job and love every second of it. My teammates embrace it. I’m best friends with all my teammates and coaches. I’m happy to be here.”