When the Los Angeles Lakers begin what they hope is a successful 2024-25 season on Tuesday versus the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, many are anticipating history to be made. If and when legend LeBron James and Bronny James share the court together in the Crypto.com Arena, they will be the first father-son duo to officially play in an NBA game together.

When that special moment takes place, though, depends on new Lakers head coach JJ Redick. He has yet to make a decision, apparently. The former guard and broadcaster says “nothing has been finalized,” according to the Los Angeles Times' Dan Woike.

The fact that Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr.– the first father-son pair to hit back-to-back home runs in an MLB game– are attending the Lakers' season opener makes it hard to fathom that Redick would keep the younger James on the bench. There are many people who do not believe the rookie is ready for NBA action, but the magnitude of this occasion might supersede everything else.

The question is, though, will this milestone be merely obligatory, or will the two play together for an extended period of time?

Bronny James is trying to carve out a role for himself on Lakers

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James has impressed Redick and others with his defensive tenacity, but his offensive skill set remains below what is expected at the professional level. But through the influence of his father, Anthony Davis and his teammates, there is hope he can quickly improve in that area.

Although the necessary adjustments are unlikely to be made in time for the first game of the new campaign, capable defense could get him a few minutes against the imposing Timberwolves. Game script is what ultimately might determine when Bronny James officially debuts, but if and when he does, LeBron James figures to be alongside him.

JJ Redick has the demanding job of helping the Lakers become a contender again while also honoring this unprecedented occurrence. The fact that he has supposedly not yet made up his mind about how to handle the James situation shows that he takes his responsibility quite seriously.

Lakers battle the Wolves on Tuesday night, starting at approximately 10 p.m. ET.