Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

Bronny James feels love from Cleveland while scoring first NBA points in an arena where he grew up

News

Bronny James feels love from Cleveland while scoring first NBA points in an arena where he grew up
News

News

Bronny James feels love from Cleveland while scoring first NBA points in an arena where he grew up

2024-10-31 11:32 Last Updated At:11:40

CLEVELAND (AP) — The shot was familiar. So was the roar.

As LeBron James watched from a few feet away, his son, Bronny, triggered another on-court celebration in Cleveland. Bronny's dad gave him the stage to himself, and he knew just what to do on a floor where he first learned to dribbled.

More Images
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

FILE - After accepting the NBA Most Valuable Player award during a ceremony at James' alma mater, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, in Akron, Ohio, Monday, May 4, 2009, Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James hands the trophy to his son Lebron Jr., 4, as James girlfriend Savannah Brinson and their youngest son Bryce look on. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, File)

FILE - After accepting the NBA Most Valuable Player award during a ceremony at James' alma mater, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, in Akron, Ohio, Monday, May 4, 2009, Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James hands the trophy to his son Lebron Jr., 4, as James girlfriend Savannah Brinson and their youngest son Bryce look on. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, File)

FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers forward and NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James, center, stands with his family, girfriend, Savannah Brinson, left, in white, son, LeBron Jr., foreground left, James mother Gloria, right, holding James son Bryce, after the NBA MVP award ceremony for James on the University of Akron campus in Akron, Ohio, Sunday, May 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Phil Long, File)

FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers forward and NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James, center, stands with his family, girfriend, Savannah Brinson, left, in white, son, LeBron Jr., foreground left, James mother Gloria, right, holding James son Bryce, after the NBA MVP award ceremony for James on the University of Akron campus in Akron, Ohio, Sunday, May 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Phil Long, File)

FILE - LeBron James Jr. dances on the court during a time out as his dad Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, left, and Cavaliers' Drew Gooden watch in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 23, 2007, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)

FILE - LeBron James Jr. dances on the court during a time out as his dad Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, left, and Cavaliers' Drew Gooden watch in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 23, 2007, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)

FILE - LeBron James Jr., right, watches the Cleveland Cavaliers play the Miami Heat with his mother, Savannah Brinson, center, and grandmother Gloria James, left, during an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan, File)

FILE - LeBron James Jr., right, watches the Cleveland Cavaliers play the Miami Heat with his mother, Savannah Brinson, center, and grandmother Gloria James, left, during an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan, File)

FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James and his son LeBron James Jr. during a post game interview Saturday May 10, 2008, after the Cavaliers beat the Boston Celtics 108-84 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Bob Rossiter/The Canton Repository via AP, File)

FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James and his son LeBron James Jr. during a post game interview Saturday May 10, 2008, after the Cavaliers beat the Boston Celtics 108-84 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Bob Rossiter/The Canton Repository via AP, File)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, center, and forward LeBron James, right, watch from the bench with guard Dalton Knecht, left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, center, and forward LeBron James, right, watch from the bench with guard Dalton Knecht, left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, left, and forward LeBron James, right, watch from the bench in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, left, and forward LeBron James, right, watch from the bench in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jaylon Tyson (24) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jaylon Tyson (24) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James shoots as forward LeBron James (23) watches on before an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James shoots as forward LeBron James (23) watches on before an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, and his son, guard Bronny James warm up prior to an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, and his son, guard Bronny James warm up prior to an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Bronny James (9) stand on the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Bronny James (9) stand on the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

With LeBron on the bench in the final minutes of a blowout loss, Bronny James scored his first points in an NBA game — on a shot that looked just like his old man — on Wednesday night in a 134-110 loss to the Cavaliers.

“To see him get his first NBA basket in this arena, where he grew up not too far away from here, that’s an unbelievable moment,” LeBron said. "Unbelievable moment for him, and for our family it’s just pretty cool to be a part of it.”

It had been expected they would play together. Instead, it was LeBron watching as Bronny made Cleveland rock.

LeBron, who has been battling a cold, checked out in the fourth quarter after scoring 26 points in 29 minutes. From his seat at the end of L.A.'s bench, he got to enjoy seeing his son soak in the love from a Cleveland crowd that cheered his every move for 11 seasons.

Proud hardly described it.

“It's the greatest thing in the world,” LeBron said of seeing his son fulfill a dream.

With the Cavs running away from the Lakers, Cleveland's fans began chanting “We want Bronny!” hoping to see the rookie they watched grow up. The younger James checked in with 5:16 left and was cheered loudly every time he touched the ball.

He picked up two assists and then made his first basket as a pro on a 14-foot shot from the left corner with 2:03 left, a bucket reminiscent of so many that his dad, the league's career scoring leader, made routinely for the Cavs.

As the crowd erupted, Bronny wasn't sure how to react.

“It was insane,” he said. “Much more than I anticipated for sure. It’s all love. It was a nice moment. The chants really got me. I was straight faced, but I felt it and it felt pretty good, especially coming from here.”

When Bronny was little, he ran through the hallways, rode the elevators and took shots on the practice court inside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse while his famous dad played in games.

Earlier in the day, Bronny reflected on his Ohio homecoming.

“It’s going to be real special,” he said following the morning shootaround. “It feels good to be out here with my dad — in our home.”

LeBron spent 11 seasons over two stints with the Cavs, leading them to the 2016 title before leaving as a free agent for the Lakers two years later. Last week, the 39-year-old superstar and his 20-year-old son became the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game.

However, Bronny didn't score in the win over Minnesota, missing both shots.

There has been some criticism of the Lakers' decision to draft Bronny, who was taken in the second round after playing one year at USC. While some of the reasoning may have been to satisfy LeBron, Cavs first-year coach Kenny Atkinson said seeing them together is moving.

“It's a beautiful story,” Atkinson said. “Two kids of my own, I can’t even imagine. I enjoy playing in the backyard with my son. To do it on an NBA court? Beautiful story. I love it. I think we should celebrate it.”

Once the Lakers end this five-game road trip on Nov. 6, Bronny is expected to join the club's G League team, the South Bay Lakers. Although he was back in his home state on business this time, the younger James said it's always a treat returning to his roots.

"It feels good being here,” he said before the game. "It’s nice, slow living here in Ohio — way different from LA.”

LeBron also was welcomed back with open arms.

The four-time league MVP received a huge ovation during pregame introductions and then again when the Cavs played a video tribute to him and Bronny on the scoreboard during a timeout in the first quarter.

LeBron joked that he didn't get to enjoy it.

“It was a pretty cool moment,” he said. “I didn’t really get an opportunity to seize the moment because we were getting our ass drugged. I was a little angry at that point in time during that timeout. I didn’t get an opportunity to really appreciate it. But I heard it.”

Sitting side by side during the press conference, LeBron and Bronny could reflect on another memorable night in a place they know well.

This time, they left as teammates after making history.

The first father and son to score in an NBA game. And they did it in Cleveland.

“It’s definitely very humbling,” LeBron said. “We don’t take it for granted, every time we get to come back and either play the game that we love or just be home and just be in the community. It’s pretty cool.”

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

FILE - After accepting the NBA Most Valuable Player award during a ceremony at James' alma mater, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, in Akron, Ohio, Monday, May 4, 2009, Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James hands the trophy to his son Lebron Jr., 4, as James girlfriend Savannah Brinson and their youngest son Bryce look on. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, File)

FILE - After accepting the NBA Most Valuable Player award during a ceremony at James' alma mater, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, in Akron, Ohio, Monday, May 4, 2009, Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James hands the trophy to his son Lebron Jr., 4, as James girlfriend Savannah Brinson and their youngest son Bryce look on. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, File)

FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers forward and NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James, center, stands with his family, girfriend, Savannah Brinson, left, in white, son, LeBron Jr., foreground left, James mother Gloria, right, holding James son Bryce, after the NBA MVP award ceremony for James on the University of Akron campus in Akron, Ohio, Sunday, May 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Phil Long, File)

FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers forward and NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James, center, stands with his family, girfriend, Savannah Brinson, left, in white, son, LeBron Jr., foreground left, James mother Gloria, right, holding James son Bryce, after the NBA MVP award ceremony for James on the University of Akron campus in Akron, Ohio, Sunday, May 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Phil Long, File)

FILE - LeBron James Jr. dances on the court during a time out as his dad Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, left, and Cavaliers' Drew Gooden watch in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 23, 2007, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)

FILE - LeBron James Jr. dances on the court during a time out as his dad Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, left, and Cavaliers' Drew Gooden watch in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 23, 2007, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)

FILE - LeBron James Jr., right, watches the Cleveland Cavaliers play the Miami Heat with his mother, Savannah Brinson, center, and grandmother Gloria James, left, during an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan, File)

FILE - LeBron James Jr., right, watches the Cleveland Cavaliers play the Miami Heat with his mother, Savannah Brinson, center, and grandmother Gloria James, left, during an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan, File)

FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James and his son LeBron James Jr. during a post game interview Saturday May 10, 2008, after the Cavaliers beat the Boston Celtics 108-84 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Bob Rossiter/The Canton Repository via AP, File)

FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James and his son LeBron James Jr. during a post game interview Saturday May 10, 2008, after the Cavaliers beat the Boston Celtics 108-84 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Bob Rossiter/The Canton Repository via AP, File)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, center, and forward LeBron James, right, watch from the bench with guard Dalton Knecht, left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, center, and forward LeBron James, right, watch from the bench with guard Dalton Knecht, left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, left, and forward LeBron James, right, watch from the bench in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, left, and forward LeBron James, right, watch from the bench in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jaylon Tyson (24) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jaylon Tyson (24) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James shoots as forward LeBron James (23) watches on before an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James shoots as forward LeBron James (23) watches on before an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, and his son, guard Bronny James warm up prior to an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, and his son, guard Bronny James warm up prior to an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Bronny James (9) stand on the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Bronny James (9) stand on the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

WACO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 2026--

Spark Dealer Group has acquired Landscape Supply, a leading outdoor power equipment and landscape supply business serving Waco and the broader Central Texas market.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260513450351/en/

Landscape Supply has built its position as the regional leader through a combination of equipment sales, contractor-focused supply offerings and consistent service for both professional and residential customers. The business serves a wide range of customers across Central Texas, including commercial cutters, contractors and homeowners.

Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed by General Manager and co-founder Curtis Goolsby, with the existing approach to customer service and product offerings remaining in place. Spark will support the business with additional resources and new product offerings, while maintaining a locally-managed operation with the existing team.

“Landscape Supply is one of the premier outdoor power equipment dealers in the country. This is a testament to the incredible organization built by Travis and Jana Yoder and Curtis Goolsby. Landscape Supply has one of the strongest teams in the industry, with a customer-first culture that permeates through the store. We are excited to add this strong operator to the Spark Dealer Group,” said Jon Salinas, CEO of Spark Dealer Group. “Our role is to support the team, invest where it makes sense and continue serving customers across the region without changing what already works incredibly well.”

As part of Spark Dealer Group, Landscape Supply will have access to centralized resources including marketing support and operational systems. Customers can expect the same level of service and reliability they are accustomed to.

About Spark Dealer Group

Spark Dealer Group is a long-term owner of independent outdoor power equipment dealerships across the United States. The company partners with local operators to maintain dealership identity while providing centralized support to strengthen operations over time.

Spark Dealer Group Acquires Landscape Supply in Waco, Texas

Spark Dealer Group Acquires Landscape Supply in Waco, Texas

Recommended Articles