PALM DESERT, Calif. – LeBron James and Bronny James made history Sunday night as the first father and son to play in an NBA game together.

The historic moment came early in the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Phoenix Suns. Bronny James, who was celebrating his 20th birthday, took part in the match and joined his father on the field.

“It’s surreal,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said before the game. “It will be fun when they are on the field together. I am excited about it. I am very honored to be part of history.”

Redick added that the historic moment would happen “over the course of the game” and would not be “gimmicky.” That’s exactly how it happened when the younger James checked in, along with fellow rookie Dalton Knecht, to start the second quarter.

The elder James, who is entering his 22nd season, has spoken for years about his desire to play alongside his eldest son and the Lakers put father and son in a position to make history by drafting Bronny James 55th overall in June choice.

Lebron James, 39, started Sunday’s game after missing Friday’s preseason opener. He and Olympic teammate Anthony Davis appeared to have an early lead, leading LA in the first half with 19 points on 8-for-12 shooting and 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting, respectively.

Bronny James didn’t score in his 4 minutes, 9 seconds of action in the second quarter, missing the only shot he made and committing three turnovers.