For his son's 20th birthday, LeBron James might have given – and received – the best gift of all.

One of the greatest basketball players of all time left the court Sunday night with the biggest smile he's ever shown in his 22 years in the NBA. Despite scoring an impressive 19 points in 16 minutes, “King James” wasn't exactly glowing about his performance as the Lakers came up short in a preseason game against the Phoenix Suns. James was excited about something far more important than the result of a game that won't count at the start of the regular season – he had just played professionally alongside his son Bronny for the first time. They both finished their day at work and walked away wearing the same jersey.

The proud father shared his thoughts with ESPN after the game – and it was clear that this preseason game was one of the most memorable moments of his storied NBA career.

“I’m preparing for the game like it’s a normal game,” the elder James said. “But the moment we came out of the timeout and he took full court, I went up – because my man took the ball out. We were standing next to each other and I kind of looked at him and it was just like, 'Is this The Matrix or something?' It just didn't feel real.

In the four minutes and nine seconds they shared the court, the James men became the first father and son players in NBA history to play together. The moment clearly impacted LeBron and revealed the ambitions and values ​​he holds as a father.

“It means everything to a father,” LeBron James said after the game.

As he continued, his voice sounded slightly hesitant. “For someone who didn’t have that growing up to be able to have that influence on his children and his son. Being able to spend moments with his son. And ultimately being able to work with your son.” I think that's one of the greatest things a father could ever hope for or wish for.

Considering that LeBron James has been on the road for much of the last 22 years, traveling across the country and circumnavigating the world to win medals in four Olympics during his NBA career, playing with his son ends up being his personal highlight. Whatever we think of Bronny James in the NBA – and he struggled in his first two preseason games – it's encouraging to see his father wants to be a part of his son's life, especially after all the time they've spent in recent years spent two decades apart.

According to Lakers Nation, LeBron James gave his son some advice after their time together on the court.

“I just told him to keep getting better. Keep getting better,” said LeBron James. “I think he's young. Apparently he just turned 20. He is young and wants to keep improving and that is the most important thing. Every time you have a moment, just keep making sweepstakes, keep learning from mistakes, and I think if he keeps doing that, he'll keep getting better.

The moment also struck new Lakers coach JJ Redick, who explained to ESPN why he sent LeBron and Bonny onto the court against the Suns.

“I just wanted to give them a chance to play together in preseason … during the course of the game,” Redick said. “I’m thrilled that I get to be a part of it. That's really me. It's cool to be a basketball fan. I think it speaks to LeBron's longevity, but also his competitiveness, that he can still do this in his 22nd year.” . It speaks to the work that Bronny has done to get to this point and really just the fatherly care and love, and certainly the motherly care of Savannah… Bronny is such an amazing boy and it's a Joy to be with him.”

Leadership expert Benjamin Laker — a fitting name considering who LeBron and Bronny James play for — noted that working with a family member carries high risks but also offers big rewards. While there is the possibility of favoritism and strained relationships, Laker pointed out that adding a family member to your team also brings more trust and insider knowledge of your industry.

“Hiring a family member can bring both significant benefits and challenges to your team. Increased trust, loyalty and deep business knowledge are powerful assets that can propel the company forward. However, there is a risk of nepotism, favoritism and potential strain. “Family relationships must be carefully managed,” Laker noted in Forbes. “By weighing these pros and cons, you can make a more informed decision that supports both your business goals and family harmony. When considering whether to recommend a family member for a position, it is important to evaluate both their suitability for the position and the potential impact on team dynamics and family relationships.”

We'll see how LeBron and Bronny James playing together plays out for the Lakers, but for now, the emotional impact of the moment overshadows the various risks and rewards.

“We’ll kind of get used to it, but it’s pretty cool,” LeBron James said of playing with his son. “It's pretty cool for both of us and especially for our family. It's definitely a moment I'll never forget.