Celtics pummel Knicks to open NBA season; LeBron, Bronny James play together to make history

LeBron on Bronny: “He’s my lifeline”

The James duo checked in the game together with four minutes left in the second quarter.

LeBron was in the starting lineup and finished with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists. Bronny did not score and did not return to the game after his three minutes in the quarter.

LeBron was a proud dad, wearing a big grin on his face after the game.

“It’s family. It’s always been family over everything,” LeBron said. “You know for me, I lost a lot of time because of this league and commitment to this league, being on the road at times, missing a lot of his things, Bryce’s things, Zhuri’s things.

“So to be able to have this moment where I’m working still and I’m going to work alongside my son is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever got from the man above and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

The 20-year-old Bronny humbly said, “Going up to the scorers’ table with my dad and checking in for the first time, that’s a crazy moment I will never forget.

“I’m just extremely grateful for everything. I was given an amazing opportunity to come in this league and get better every day and learn every day. I’m just extremely grateful.”

Bronny, selected in the second round as the 55th overall pick of the NBA draft, had played in all six preseason games but shot less than 30 per cent, averaging 4.2 points.

The Lakers’ new head coach JJ Redick – who picked up his first career coaching win – had played the two together on 6 October against the Phoenix Suns.

LeBron – who on this night also joined Vince Carter as the only players to play in 22 NBA seasons – and Bronny next take on the Suns at home on Friday, when son will hope to score his first bucket in the league.

“It’s not promised every day that you get an opportunity to play in this beautiful league,” LeBron said. “It’s only 450 of us, and understand it’s not given to you. You’ve got to earn every moment and I think he knows that.

“He’s looking forward to the progress, to the process of getting better and better every single day to be the player that he ultimately wants to be.

“But I’m super proud of him and he’s my life line, that’s for sure.”