(L-R) Bronny James #9 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on before the game against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on March 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

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Cole Sullivan

By Cole Sullivan

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The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 98–78 on Friday night to secure a first-round series win and set up a second-round matchup with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Los Angeles continues to be led by 41-year-old LeBron James, who was forced into an even larger role after Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves both suffered injuries on April 2. Reaves has since returned, but James still delivered in the closeout game, finishing with 28 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.

The victory also marked a historic moment, as James secured his first postseason series win alongside his son, Bronny James, who contributed off the bench throughout the series. In doing so, the duo became the first father-and-son pairing in NBA history to win a playoff series as teammates.

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James has repeatedly emphasized how meaningful the experience has been, calling it the most special part of his career.

“Me being on the floor with him … is the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my career, above everything that I’ve accomplished,” he said.

He later added, “I was on the floor with my son in a playoff game. That’s probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened in my career … My mom got to watch her son and her grandson during the playoffs. That’s crazy.”

(L-R) Bronny James #9 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on before the game against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on March 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

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Bronny is currently in his second season with the Lakers after being selected No. 55 overall in the 2024 NBA draft.

While he hasn’t yet carved out a consistent role in the NBA, he has shown noticeable growth from his rookie year to his second season, and that development appears to serve as another source of motivation for LeBron at a stage in his career where he has little left to prove.

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