PALM DESERT, Calif. — Gumawa ng kasaysayan si LeBron James at anak niyang si Bronny James, Jr. bilang unang father and son na sabay na naglaro sa isang NBA game.
Nangyari ito sa 114-118 preseason loss ng Los Angeles Lakers sa Phoenix Suns kahapon sa Arcisure Arena.
Ginawa nina James at Bronny ang historic moment sa pagsisimula ng second quarter nang pumasok sa laro ang 22-anyos na rookie para makasama ang kanyang 39-anyos na tatay sa court.
“For a father, it means everything,” sabi ni James. “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.”
Nauna nang sinabi ni Lakers coach JJ Redick na sabay na maglalaro sina James at Bronny bilang professionals sa preseason.
“Just wanted to get them a chance to play together in preseason ... within the flow of the game,” sabi ni Redick. “I’m thrilled that I get to be a part of this. I really am. It’s cool as a basketball fan.”
Habang sabay silang naglaro sa loob lamang ng apat na minuto at siyam na segundo ay mayroon namang mga hindi makakalimutang sandali.
Bago pa man kunin ng Lakers si Bronny bilang 55th overasll pick sa NBA Draft noong Hunyo ay nagparamdam na si James ng kagustuhang makasabay ang anak sa court.
“I’m prepping for the game like it’s regular game,” ani James na sasalang sa kanyang ika-22 season. “But the moment when we came out of the timeout and he was picking up full court and I went up -- because my guy was taking the ball out. We stood next to each other and I kind of looked at him, and it was just like, ‘Is this The Matrix or something?’ It just didn’t feel real.”
Tumapos si James na may 19 points mula sa 8-of-12 field goal shooting, habang walang naiskor si Bronny sa 13:25 minuto.