The Cleveland Cavaliers celebrated a significant milestone as they cruised to a 134-110 victory, marking their first 5-0 start since 2016. As the game progressed and victory seemed certain, the focus of the Cleveland crowd shifted to a more personal moment: rooting for Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, who is regarded as the greatest player in Cavaliers history.
Midway through the third quarter, fans began chanting “We Want Bronny!” This chorus continued into the fourth quarter, prompting Lakers coach JJ Redick to bring Bronny into the game for only the second time in his young career.
When Bronny entered the game, he quickly made an impact by scoring his first NBA basket—a 14-foot step-back jumper over Jaylon Tyson—with just over two minutes left in the game. The crowd, which had largely stuck around for this moment, erupted in appreciation for the young player. Bronny’s performance included two points, two assists, and one steal in five minutes of play. He expressed his excitement about the reception, describing it as “insane” and highlighting the love and support he felt from the crowd.
LeBron James, who scored 26 points in the game, reflected on the significance of the moment for both Bronny and their family. He acknowledged that handling such pressure as a rookie would have been challenging for him, stating, “He’s better than I would have been in that situation.” LeBron appreciated being part of his son’s first NBA score in a venue that holds so many memories for him, especially given their family’s ties to the Cleveland community.
Bronny’s previous regular-season appearance had been brief, where he didn’t score, but this game felt more special as he played alongside his father, who was on the sidelines, with his grandmother in the stands cheering him on. Bronny highlighted the lessons he learned throughout his life about playing the game the right way and expressed that he aimed to perform authentically during his time on the court. The crowd’s anticipation for Bronny to take shots reflected their eagerness to see him succeed.
The significance of the game extended beyond just Bronny’s personal achievement. It coincided with the anniversary of LeBron’s first game in his second stint with the Cavaliers, a period marked by remarkable success and a championship victory in 2016.
LeBron spoke about the profound connection he and his family have with the Cleveland community, noting the memories created both on and off the court. For Bronny, scoring his first NBA basket was the culmination of a long-held dream, a moment that symbolized his journey from watching his father play to stepping into the spotlight himself.
