Lakers Confirm Bronny and James Will Play Together; Pelinka Reveals James Trash Talked His Son in Practice

On September 26, fans hoping to see LeBron James and Bronny James play together in an NBA game may not have to wait too long. Earlier, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said on The Lowe Post podcast that the father and son “will be on the court together soon.”

Redick did not reveal too many details about the Lakers’ plans, but he hinted that the 19-year-old young player might spend most of his time in the G League during the upcoming season. “Bronny is still young,” Redick said. “I am very optimistic about his future. I’ve said it before, he’s like our first player we can shape and help grow. So we will use the G League as a tool in our player development system.”

On Wednesday, Redick reiterated these views during a media interaction, stating that he and his coaching staff have discussed the moment when James and Bronny would play together during the regular season, which would make NBA history. However, they have not yet formulated specific plans, and he will include playing them together in his planning. According to Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka, Bronny has already played against James in yesterday’s practice game. In one offensive possession, he was even matched up against James. The situation was that James drove to the baseline with the ball under Bronny’s defense and completed a layup, after which he trash talked Bronny.

Bronny’s performance in the Summer League has attracted attention. Although his average of 8.8 points per game was not outstanding, his potential on the defensive end was widely recognized. Pelinka also mentioned that Bronny’s main value may lie in his defense. The Lakers selected Bronny with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. If James and Bronny can appear together in an NBA game in the new season, it will create history, becoming the first father-son duo to play in the same game.

The Lakers’ first regular-season game is on October 23 against the Timberwolves.