LeBron James tries to influence NBA refs after call against son Bronny (original) (raw)

LeBron James played alongside his son for the first time in the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason game against the Phoenix Suns with the legendary NBA figure struggling to hide his paternal instincts

LeBron and Bronny James suited up for the first time for the Lakers on Sunday night

NBA history was made on Sunday night when LeBron James and Bronny James suited up to play together for the first time - being the first father-son duo to take to the court together in league history.

It had been Bronny's second preseason game with the Lakers, having offensive struggles but impressing on the defensive end with three blocks against the Minnesota Timberwolves, before playing with his father against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

On one particular play, LeBron kicked the ball out to the perimeter to Austin Reaves who nailed a three-point shot, but it had been chalked off after Bronny was called for a moving screen - something James Sr took issue with the officials with.

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Immediately after the foul was called, Bronny could be seen protesting the call while LeBron walked straight up to the officials to speak to them - leaving many fans saying the same thing.

One fan wrote: "LeBron's being a dad. Ref's aint having it though," as another wrote: "Paternal instincts right there, LeBron is going to challenge every call against Bronny all year," as a third said: "That's a clear foul by Bronny, LeBron knows that."

Bronny is playing significant minutes through the Lakers' first two games, and although he has failed to make an impact on the offensive side, he will have impressed with his defensive tenacity.

Being drafted with the 55th pick in the NBA Draft as a 'developmental' player, it remains unclear with Bronny will spend his rookie season with the team - most likely set to spend much of the year with the Lakers' G-league affiliate.

But whatever the case, he does look set to play alongside his father in the regular season at some point. And despite the Lakers losing the game, LeBron spoke with immense pride of suiting up with Bronny.

LeBron protested Bronny's first foul in the game

He told reporters: "It doesn't feel real. I'm still kind of getting used to that, but it's pretty cool for both of us and especially for our family. It's pretty cool. It's definitely, a moment that I will never forget. For a father, it means everything."

On X, he later added: "For someone who didn't have that growing up, to be able to have that influence on your kids, influence on your son, and be able to have moments with your son and then ultimately to be able to work with your son, that's one of the greatest things a father could ever hope or wish for, so it was pretty cool."