History was made on Sunday as LeBron and Bronny James became the first father-son combo to share an NBA court together during the Lakers’ 118-114 loss against the Suns, and this will be the first of many hallmark moments between these two moving forward.
Karl-Anthony Towns also enjoyed his new “first,” as he donned the Knicks uniform for the first time ever, offering New York fans a glimpse of their immediate future.
Elsewhere, several teams continue to face injury concerns involving their stars ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Grizzlies just became the latest casualty, as they lost Ja Morant to injury during their first preseason match against the Mavericks on Monday.
Learn more about the latest NBA 2024 updates in preseason, courtesy of SBOTOP.
LeBron and Bronny James make history
LeBron James didn’t play during the Lakers’ preseason loss against the Timberwolves, but he returned to the court to not miss the chance to make history with his son.
After not playing a single minute in the first period, Bronny James finally checked in to share the court with his dad, LeBron, which is the perfect gift for his 20th birthday.
“For a father, it means everything,” LeBron James said. “For someone who didn’t have that growing up, to be able to have that influence on your kids and have influence on your son. Be able to have moments with your son. And ultimately, to be able to work with your son. I think that’s one of the greatest things that a father can ever hope for or wish for.”
LeBron and Bronny James only played for four minutes and nine seconds, but it wasn’t without some key moments.
The father-son tandem picked up full court on defense as the Lakers tried to stop the Suns in transition, and LeBron James almost completed an assist to Bronny a few plays later.
LeBron James executed a dribble handoff play to his eldest son, but Bronny missed what could’ve been the first father-son assist.
The 39-year-old forward finished the game with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks on 8-for-12 shooting, while Bronny James had two rebounds but didn’t score.
Bronny James’ struggles from the summer league have carried over to the preseason so far, but he is expected to continue to be part of the Lakers’ roster to start the 2024-25 campaign, based on the NBA 2024 odds.
Towns wears blue and orange for the first time
It didn’t take too long for Karl-Anthony Towns to get himself acclimated with his new team. His first basket in blue and orange was a deep three-pointer assisted by Jalen Brunson, as he was trailing behind during a 2-on-1 fast break.
Although he looked out of sync at times because he was still adjusting to his new environment, Towns grew better as the first half wore on.
The four-time NBA All-Star finished the game with 10 points, four rebounds, and steals on 2-for-7 shooting from the field in 15 minutes during the Knicks’ 111-109 victory over the Hornets.
“I know their talents, so it’s a matter of playing with them,” Towns said. “Finally getting to put a Knicks jersey on and playing 5-on-5, that was really cool.”
“These guys are all super, super special, and they are all very talented and they put the work in. The coaches put us through drills that allow us to work on our skills and our timing,” he added.
Towns’ uncanny ability to stretch the floor at the five position is the reason the Knicks traded for him last week. With his gravity, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart, among others, will have more space to attack the rim.
The former No. 1 overall pick has averaged 22.9 points and 10.8 rebounds while shooting 39.8 percent from three-point range in his career so far.
Morant suffers injury scare in preseason
Grizzlies fans sent a collective groan when Ja Morant limped off the floor early in the third quarter of Monday night’s 121-116 preseason win over the Mavericks.
Morant injured his ankle after tweaking it during the second quarter on a fast break. He attempted to come back and played through it, but the coaching staff pulled him out of the match and called it a night for precautionary reasons.
“I’m good. It’s preseason, man,” Morant told reporters postgame.
Memphis will (and should) be extra cautious with Morant given his recent injury history.
Last season, the two-time NBA All-Star only played nine regular season games due to suspensions and a season-ending shoulder surgery, averaging 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game on 47.1 per cent shooting.
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