When Bronny James steps onto the court at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday night, he won’t just be playing basketball — he’ll be rewriting history. The 21-year-old guard, son of NBA legend LeBron James, will make his first career start for the Los Angeles Lakers against the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks, coach Tyrone "JJ" Redick confirmed on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo. This isn’t a sentimental gesture. It’s a performance-based promotion. And it’s the first time in NBA history that the son of an active player has started a game.
Why Now? The Numbers Don’t Lie
Redick didn’t make this call on emotion. He made it because the data demanded it. Since returning from a Grade 1 left ankle sprain on October 18 — an injury suffered during preseason practice — James has transformed. His minutes jumped from 12.3 per game in October to 16.8 in November. His turnover rate dropped by 27%. His net rating in closing lineups? A stellar +5.2. In his 10 reserve appearances this season, he averaged 4.8 points, 2.3 assists, and 0.8 steals in just 14.2 minutes. He’s shooting 38.7% from the field and 31.4% from deep. Those aren’t flashy stats, but they’re consistent. And in a league where defense and decision-making often outweigh scoring volume, James has quietly become a plus-player."This isn’t about legacy," Redick said during his press conference. "It’s about earned opportunity based on his October 28 through November 15 performance metrics." The message was clear: This isn’t a dad’s son getting a break. It’s a player who earned it.
A Father-Son First in NBA History
The weight of this moment isn’t lost on anyone. According to Basketball-Reference.com’s records of 1,247 father-son combinations since 1946, Bronny James is the first son of an active NBA player to start a game. His father, LeBron James, is still playing — and playing well — at age 40, averaging 25.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists this season. The two have shared the court 11 times this year, but never as starters. Now, Bronny will be on the floor alone, under the bright lights of Milwaukee, facing a team that’s 6-0 at home."I’ve seen it all," said Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, a former agent who once represented LeBron. "But this? This is different. He’s not just meeting expectations. He’s exceeding them. And that’s what you want from a young player on a team with championship ambitions."
The Bucks’ Perspective: No Special Treatment
The Milwaukee Bucks, fresh off their 2024-25 title, aren’t treating this as a spectacle. Head coach Doc Rivers, 63, dismissed any notion of extra attention during his own presser on Sunday. "We’ll treat him like any other starter — no special attention beyond standard film study of his 127-minute sample size," Rivers said. The Bucks’ defensive scheme, anchored by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, will test James’ ability to handle pressure, make quick decisions, and avoid turnovers. He’ll be guarded by a mix of Jrue Holiday, Malik Beasley, and potentially even Giannis himself in switch-heavy situations.James’ biggest challenge? The noise. Fiserv Forum holds 17,500 fans — and nearly all of them will be watching him. Not just for his father’s name, but for whether he can handle the moment. That’s the real test.
The Financial Stakes Are Real
This isn’t just about legacy or pride. It’s about money. James’ rookie contract includes performance escalators. If he reaches 25 starts this season, he triggers a $1.2 million bonus on top of his $5.7 million base salary for the 2025-26 season. That’s not chump change — it’s a life-altering sum for a 21-year-old. He’s already played 10 games. He needs 15 more starts to hit the threshold. Tuesday’s start makes that goal far more realistic. If he keeps this pace — and the Lakers project he will — he could be on track for 30+ starts by season’s end.What Comes Next?
The Lakers, currently 6-6, face the Bucks on Tuesday at 7:30 PM CT. Then, on Thursday, November 20, they host the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Redick has already indicated James will remain in the starting lineup barring injury. That’s significant. It means the Lakers see him as part of their long-term identity, not just a novelty. The rotation is shifting. Austin Reaves, who started the first six games, will likely move to the bench. Gabe Vincent, 30, may see reduced minutes. This isn’t just Bronny’s moment — it’s a team evolution.
Medical Clearance and the Road Back
The journey to this point wasn’t smooth. James missed the first two games of the season after spraining his left ankle on October 18. The Lakers’ medical team, led by veteran head physician Dr. Gary Vitti, placed him on a 48-hour rest protocol. He returned to full practice on November 3. That’s just 15 days before his first start. The fact that he’s cleared, healthy, and now starting speaks volumes about his recovery, discipline, and the trust the staff has placed in him.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bronny James starting now and not earlier?
Bronny wasn’t ready early in the season — he missed the first two games due to an ankle sprain, and his minutes were limited as he regained rhythm. But since returning on October 28, his efficiency, defensive intensity, and turnover reduction (27% drop) met the Lakers’ internal benchmarks. Coach Redick emphasized performance over pedigree, and the stats proved he was ready for more responsibility.
Is this the first time a son of an active NBA player has started a game?
Yes. According to Basketball-Reference.com’s full historical database of father-son player combinations since 1946, Bronny James is the first. While sons of former NBA players have started before — like Kobe Bryant’s daughter Gianna (in youth leagues), or Jared Sullinger (son of Rick Sullinger) — no son of a currently active NBA player has ever been named a starter in a regular-season game.
How much money could Bronny James earn from this start?
His rookie contract includes a $1.2 million bonus escalator if he reaches 25 starts in the 2025-26 season. He’s already played 10 games as a reserve. With Tuesday’s start, he’s on pace to hit that threshold — and potentially earn an extra $1.2 million on top of his $5.7 million base salary. That could push his total earnings for the year past $7 million.
Will Bronny James keep his starting role after the Bucks game?
Coach Redick has indicated he expects James to retain the starting spot for Thursday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, barring injury. The Lakers are building around young talent, and James’ defensive IQ and decision-making have earned him a permanent role in the rotation. This isn’t a one-game experiment — it’s the beginning of his evolution into a core piece.
How does this affect LeBron James’ legacy?
It doesn’t diminish it — it expands it. LeBron’s legacy has always been about raising the bar. Now, he’s watching his son become the first in NBA history to start as the son of an active player. That’s not just a family milestone; it’s a cultural one. LeBron’s influence on the game is now being mirrored in his son’s rise — not through fame, but through earned respect.
What’s the bigger story here: Bronny’s start or the Lakers’ direction?
It’s both. Bronny’s start signals the Lakers are moving toward a younger, more dynamic backcourt. With Reaves and Vincent potentially moving to the bench, this is a clear signal: the team is investing in the future. If Bronny thrives, it could accelerate their rebuild. If he falters, it’s a risk worth taking — because in today’s NBA, development matters more than nostalgia.
