What happened during Bronny James’ NBA playoff debut?
Bronny James made his long-awaited NBA playoff debut on Sunday night, but the Los Angeles Lakers were handed a harsh reality check, falling 117-95 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their first-round series.
The 19-year-old son of LeBron James featured for just two minutes in the match, marking a historic father-son moment on the court. However, what followed his brief appearance was a one-sided performance, with the Lakers struggling to cope with the Timberwolves’ firepower.
Minnesota dominated from the perimeter, sinking 21 three-pointers and shooting at an impressive 50% from beyond the arc. Anthony Edwards led the charge with 22 points, while the Lakers’ defence looked overwhelmed and disorganised.
Though Bronny’s time on the court was short, it drew attention for its symbolism. He wore sneakers in the same colour as those his father LeBron wore during his NBA debut in 2003—an emotional tribute as the two now share the court more than two decades later.
But sentiment quickly gave way to reality. After Bronny’s introduction, the Lakers continued to unravel. LeBron James, now 39, was unable to inspire a comeback, and frustration was evident on the bench as Minnesota pulled further ahead.
The younger James has had a quiet rookie year with the Lakers, averaging 2.3 points across 27 games. However, he’s impressed in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, where he averaged 20.6 points. Despite calls for patience, Bronny’s progress is under constant scrutiny.
Game 2 of the series will be played on Tuesday, 22 April 2025, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Lakers must now regroup and respond quickly to avoid slipping 2-0 behind in the series. All eyes remain on the James duo—not just for the legacy they represent, but for the hope they can help turn things around.
