Historical night for Lakers with father and son duo LeBron and Bronny James; open season with victory over Timberwolves 110-103

During warmups prior to the opening game for the Lakers, Bronny and LeBron were seen conversing with Ken Griffey and Ken Griffey Junior.  The father and son duo that were able to play alongside each other in Seattle during a Major League Baseball Game was in attendance to witness that same milestone in the NBA for the first time ever.  The Lakers and the NBA witnessed history when Bronny James checked into the Lakers first game of the year alongside his father, LeBron James.  In addition to this moment, LeBron also joined Hall of Famer, Vince Carter, as the only players in NBA history to play in 22 seasons. 

LeBron was filled with excitement, “It’s something I’ll never forget.”  Los Angeles got a glimpse of what the future looks like with Bronny, but in the present Anthony Davis picked up right where he left off in 2023-2024.  Davis scored a dominant 36 points in addition to 16 rebounds.  AD was an efficient 11 for 23 from the floor in 38 minutes.  Rui Hachimura dropped 18 points with Austin Reaves and D’angelo Russell combining for 21 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists.  LeBron James ended the night with 16 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds, but his leadership was noticeable on and off the court.  Making his NBA coaching debut, JJ Redick becomes the first Los Angeles Lakers head coach to win his regular season opener since 2016. 

The Lakers played an uptempo offense that led to 110 points in the opening game.  Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves had some new pieces in the lineup with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.  Edwards scored an impressive 27 points and went 5 for 13 from three-point range.  The Timberwolves are not satisfied with a Western Conference appearance, and are expected to make a deep run in the playoffs barring injuries.  The Lakers host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night while the Minnesota Timberwolves travel to Sacramento to face the Kings on their opening night on Thursday.