The Los Angeles Lakers had a noteworthy start to their season.

New head coach JJ Redick made his coaching debut, not just in the NBA, but in his first game ever.

The Lakers pulled off a 110-103 victory over the Timberwolves.

However, the most remarkable highlight occurred with four minutes remaining in the second quarter when LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, and his son Bronny, a rookie at age 20, entered the game together, marking a historic milestone as the first father-son pair to play in an NBA regular-season match.

Reaching this landmark as a father-son duo in the NBA is rare, requiring both a father’s prolonged career and a son’s exceptional talent.

This is why TNT commentator Stan Van Gundy stated, “This is something that should be celebrated,” referring to the moment during the broadcast.

Yet, in today’s world, not everyone is celebrating this feat. Some critics have certainly voiced their opinions.

Van Gundy expressed his frustration over the negativity surrounding Bronny, saying, “I’m tired of all of the criticism aimed at Bronny regarding his draft position. That will all unfold in his career. From what I see and hear, he appears to be a genuinely hardworking young man who aspires to be a great player.”

The Lakers handled everything appropriately by allowing this historic moment to unfold early in their first game. Redick remarked to reporters prior to the game, “Whenever this occurs, it’ll be a joy for us to be part of it.”

Bronny played only three minutes, missed both his shots, scored no points, and grabbed one rebound. This performance aligns with expectations for a second-round pick who is likely to spend plenty of time in the Lakers’ G League team.

With this experience behind him, Bronny can now focus on improving his basketball skills. Drafted as the 55th pick in the June draft, he faced considerable challenges after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest before his freshman season at USC.

Prior to that incident, Bronny had been climbing up the draft ranks, demonstrating progress in his game. However, his cardiac arrest hampered his growth and affected his draft stock. Nevertheless, he worked diligently and was seen as a viable draft candidate, with multiple teams considering him.

It’s important to note that the Lakers did not select Bronny with a top pick, as he was the 55th pick in the draft. This position usually indicates a player that a team envisions developing over several seasons. For instance, Isaiah Wong, the 55th pick in 2023, played only one NBA game, while Gui Santos, the 2022 55th pick, spent his entire season in the G League.

Bronny’s assessment as a player won’t come from Summer League appearances, G League performances, or his brief stint in this season opener. It’s a lengthy process of development ahead.

Before Bronny entered the game, LeBron had some advice for him. “Just observe the intensity, and play freely. Don’t stress about making mistakes. Just give it your all.”

Following the game, Bronny shared with TNT, checking in along with his dad was “an unforgettable moment.”

LeBron remarked, “Having the opportunity to share this experience while I’m still active and working with my son is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received, and I plan to cherish it fully.”

This was truly a special moment, not only for the James family but also for the sports world and the NBA.