Bronny James has coolest sneakers tribute to dad LeBron in Lakers’ playoff loss

While things didn’t go LA’s way in Game 1 of the first round vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves, Bronny’s homage to his pops stole the show.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) takes a shot in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) takes a shot in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

It was not a good night for LeBron James, Bronny James, and the Los Angeles Lakers in Saturday night’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite the poor play, Bronny’s tribute shoes to dad, however, were the highlight of the night.

LeBron played in his record 288th playoff game, but it’s one he’d like to forget in an 117-95 beatdown the Timeberwolves put on them in Los Angeles in Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs. The 40-year-old put up only 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists — all far below his season averages. His son Bronny, meanwhile, made his career playoff debut and played only three minutes and went 0-2 from the floor (both three-point attempts).

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LeBro
LeBron and the Lakers had no answers for the Timberwolves. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

It wasn’t about stats for Bronny, however, it was about his awesome sneakers he wore as an ode to dad. The oldest son of the NBA legend at 20, Bronny threw it back and wore dad’s first shoe, the “Debut” Nike Air Zoom Generations — the same one LeBron wore for his playoff debut back in April 2006.

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That’s awesome.

Dad at the time was also just 20, but he fared a little bit better than his son (and himself) Saturday: He had a triple-double of 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists vs. the Washington Wizards.

LeBron and Bronny hope they can bounce back in Game 2 or there weren’t be many more sneaker-wearing night this season left.

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Matt Ryan
MATT RYAN

Matt Ryan is a dedicated sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in digital and linear media. After receiving a Masters in Journalism from USC, he’s worked for Fox Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports, USA Today Sports Media Group, and Bally Sports, while holding various leadership roles along the way.