Before Thursday, there had never been a father-son duo playing in the NBA at the same time. This historic milestone is now set to be achieved, as the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James—the eldest son of LeBron James—with the 55th pick in the second round of the draft. This moment marks the first time a father and son will be teammates in the NBA, an achievement celebrated by the James family and basketball fans alike.
Bronny’s Instagram post
“Beyond blessed,” Bronny James shared on Instagram, encapsulating the excitement and gratitude felt by the family. The James family received the news at an intimate dinner party in New York, surrounded by close family and friends, including LeBron’s mother, Gloria, and Savannah’s parents. The occasion was marked by an emotional champagne toast led by LeBron himself.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager, emphasized the significance of this moment. “In the history of the NBA, there’s never been a father and a son that have shared an NBA basketball court, and that feels like something that could be magical,” Pelinka said. He highlighted the potential historical impact if LeBron chooses to stay with the Lakers next season. “NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform.”
Bronny’s significant progress
Bronny, 19, has shown promise in his basketball career despite facing significant challenges. During his single season at USC, he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game. His season was notably interrupted by a cardiac arrest episode that required surgery to treat a congenital heart defect. After nearly five months of recovery, Bronny returned to the court, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Cleared to be drafted by the NBA’s Fitness to Play Panel, Bronny’s performance during the draft combine further solidified his potential. He excelled in agility drills and was a top performer in the 3-point shooting drills, showcasing his skills and readiness for the NBA.
Pelinka praised Bronny for his character and work ethic, qualities that align with the Lakers’ values. “Bronny is, first and foremost, a person of high character,” Pelinka said. “And second, he is a young man that works incredibly hard.”
Lebron’s dilemma
As for LeBron, he faces a decision regarding his Lakers contract. He has until 5 p.m. ET Saturday to opt into the final year of his contract, worth $51.4 million, or become an unrestricted free agent. The Lakers are keen on retaining LeBron and are prepared to offer a maximum three-year, $162 million deal to keep him with the franchise.
Anthony Davis’ support for Bronny
Lakers All-Star Anthony Davis expressed his support for the team drafting Bronny. He praised Bronny’s defensive abilities, playmaking skills, and overall basketball IQ. Davis also acknowledged the pressure Bronny faces due to his father’s legacy but commended his determination to create his own path. “He wants to create his own path and he doesn’t want to be— even though he’s LeBron James’ son, he doesn’t want to be seen as that,” Davis said.
The Lakers’ journey with Bronny will begin with the NBA Summer League play against the Houston Rockets on July 12 in Las Vegas. Bronny will wear No. 9, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting chapter in his basketball career and a historic moment for the NBA.
As the James family gets on this unprecedented journey, the basketball world watches with anticipation, ready to witness history in the making.