With the Los Angeles Lakers’ backcourt severely depleted during Thursday’s road clash against the Golden State Warriors, Bronny James continued to receive steady rotation minutes.
While his first-half performance had its flaws, the sophomore guard left the NBA world buzzing after setting up his father, Lakers star forward LeBron James, for a fast-break slam.
LeBron James and Bronny James Showcase Father-Son Connection
Operating as the first-ever pair of father-son teammates, LeBron and Bronny have made history on numerous occasions throughout their two-year stint together.
Early in Thursday’s pivotal contest, the duo also delivered a highlight-worthy play with Bronny getting extra run in the absence of Luka Dončić (hamstring), Austin Reaves (oblique), and Marcus Smart (ankle).
In the final minute of the first quarter, Bronny secured a steal after a poor pass inside the paint from Warriors big man Charles Bassey. The 21-year-old wasted no time pushing the ball up the floor, taking one dribble before dishing a bounce pass to a streaking LeBron near midcourt.
The 22-time All-Star needed just one dribble before taking a couple of steps and throwing down an effortless two-handed dunk to extend LA’s lead to 25-20. The significance of a son assisting his father on a fast break was not lost on the NBA community or the in-game commentary crew, who noted that “they probably worked on that in the backyard.”
“They probably worked on that in the backyard.”
Bronny and LeBron making plays for the Lakers 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Y3trOHXNCd
— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) April 10, 2026
“THE FIRST-EVER SON-TO-FATHER ASSIST IN NBA HISTORY!” the NBA’s official X account tweeted.
“Bronny to LeBron is the coolest thing ever 😎,” Bovada reacted.
“Bronny assist to his dad LeBron. Proudest 2 points LeBron has ever scored,” Mufasa Sports & Fitness wrote.
“BRONNY TO LEBRON FOR THE SLAM❤️😭,” LeBron fan page @MindOfBron gushed.
Meanwhile, Fliff quipped that LeBron and Bronny are “the best father and son duo in the league.”
Earlier this month, LeBron shared that he has “even more of a purpose to show up to work” in Year 23 due to playing alongside Bronny, highlighting his desire to teach his son how to be a “professional.”
However, Bronny has quickly become a key part of the undermanned Lakers’ rotation, serving as a sparkplug bench guard with a defensive focus.
The 2024 No. 55 pick ended Thursday’s first half with 4 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 3 turnovers, shooting a perfect 2-for-2. That supplemented his father’s game-high 18-point first half on 7-for-11 shooting (63.6%) as LA seized a 53-49 halftime lead.
The Lakers (50-29) are seeking to snap a three-game losing streak and regain a top-four seed in the Western Conference after getting overtaken by the surging Houston Rockets (51-29), winners of eight straight games.
