Deion Sanders shared his admiration for a moment that transcended basketball — LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, stepping onto the court together for the first time during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason game against the Phoenix Suns. While the Lakers ultimately lost 118-114, the significance of this game extended far beyond the final score.

On that Sunday night, the James family made history. Bronny, entering the game to join his father, marked a rare father-son moment in professional sports. The event resonated with sports fans and athletes alike. Sanders, a father and head coach to his own sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, at Colorado, saw the deeper meaning behind this occasion. He took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his thoughts.

“I’m COMING back to play with my sons too! This is HISTORICAL! Give this man his FLOWERS NOW! This speaks to Fatherhood, Excellence & Longevity,” Sanders wrote, acknowledging the magnitude of the event.

LeBron’s longevity and Bronny’s resilience create unforgettable father-son NBA moment

Los Angeles Lakers foward LeBron James (left) poses with son Bronny James during media day at the UCLA Health Training Center.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

For LeBron James, this was more than just another game. He had spoken for years about his dream of sharing an NBA court with Bronny, and that dream became a reality after the Lakers selected Bronny in the NBA Draft. The road to this moment, however, was not without its challenges. Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest during a workout last summer, raising doubts about his future in basketball. Despite the uncertainty, his determination and resilience led to a full recovery, and he made his debut alongside his father.

LeBron, at 39, continues to defy the limits of age, maintaining his elite performance on the court and extending his career to live out this once improbable dream. His remarkable longevity has allowed him to experience a moment few athletes ever will — playing alongside his son in the NBA.

The game may have ended in a loss for the Lakers, but the night was a victory for the James family. It was a milestone that symbolized legacy, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between father and son. For Deion Sanders and countless others, this moment wasn't just about basketball — it was a celebration of fatherhood and excellence.