BackSPORTS
LeBron and Bronny make NBA history with first father-son playoff alley-oop
LeBron James connected with his son Bronny for the first father-son alley-oop in NBA playoff history during Game 3 of the Lakers-Rockets series on April 18, 2026, extending a career-long run that allowed overlap with Bronny's own NBA arrival. The moment followed Bronny’s regular-season entry as part of a historic father-son presence in the league on October 22, 2024.
Why It Matters
It marks a rare cross-generational milestone in the NBA, showcasing unprecedented longevity and continuity at the highest level and highlighting the growing presence of a second-generation player on the league stage.
Timeline
3 Events
First father-son playoff alley-oop
April 18, 2026
In Game 3 of the first-round series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets, LeBron James lifted an alley-oop to Bronny James with 7:12 remaining in the second quarter; Bronny finished with a reverse layup, completing the first father-son scoring connection in NBA playoff history. The Lakers won 112-108 to take a 3-0 lead in the series. Houston were without Kevin Durant due to an ankle sprain. Bronny added a three-pointer later in the game, and LeBron immediately returned to defense after the play.
First father-son duo to play in an NBA game
October 22, 2024
LeBron James and Bronny James became the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game, checking into a regular-season matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
LeBron James begins NBA career with Cavaliers
2003
LeBron James began his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, starting a career-long run that would span more than two decades.