Reaves embraces rare feat — throwing lobs to both LeBron and Bronny James

Austin Reaves had yet another spectacular performance against the Miami Heat on Sunday night, recording 26 points and 11 assists in the team’s 130–120 win. Reaves’ highlight reel started early — at the 1:21 mark of the first quarter — when he threw an alley-oop lob pass to Bronny James in transition, getting the Crypto.com Arena crowd on its feet.

After the game, Reaves could only laugh when asked about the moment, joking that he might’ve made NBA history.

“I've gotta be the first person in NBA history to throw a father a lob and a son a lob. It's gotta be, right?”

Austin Reaves: "I've gotta be the first person in NBA history to throw a father a lob and a son a lob. It's gotta be right?😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/A2jTUnoQBn

Reaves was referring to the multiple alley-oop connections he’s shared with Bronny’s father, LeBron James, throughout his four full seasons in a Lakers uniform. Naturally, the viral clip sent NBA social media into a frenzy, with fans marveling at how closely the play resembled one of LeBron’s classic fast-break slams.

What made the moment even more impressive was the sheer athleticism of Bronny, who rose high above the rim despite standing just 6’2”. For comparison, LeBron has been listed at 6’9” throughout his career — making the play a remarkable display of vertical explosion and timing.

As for Bronny, that dunk would stand as his only basket of the night, though he added two assists across 18 minutes of action. One of those assists — a late-game feed to Marcus Smart — drew high praise from head coach JJ Redick.

“He was really just a force in terms of containment and physicality,” Redick said. “And then he arguably made the play of the game, when Luka was double-teamed and he was the next guy… just a really good building block for him tonight to play in a very meaningful game in the fourth quarter and have a lot of good plays.”

As the Lakers continue to fight through injuries, their rotation pieces are finding rhythm at the right time. Reaves has solidified his role as a stabilizing playmaker, while Bronny continues to earn the staff’s trust — and if things continue trending upward, fans might just see plenty more James-to-Reaves connections in both generations.

More Lakers news:

• Jake LaRavia breaks silence on Anthony Edwards’ viral ‘Who is No. 12?’ statement
• Bronny James draws similar comparison with highlight dunk
• Jaxson Hayes delivers career first quarter vs. Heat
• Lakers writer sends stern nine-word message to Bronny James after miserable start to season