Bronny and LeBron James: On the Brink of NBA History
Bronny and LeBron James are on the verge of making sports history, with the father-son duo poised to step onto the court together for the first time in the NBA. This historic event commenced when the Los Angeles Lakers selected LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny, as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The prospect of seeing both Jameses in the Lakers' purple and gold has generated considerable excitement in the basketball community and beyond.
If they both take the court this upcoming season, it would mark an unprecedented moment in NBA history—a father and son playing together in professional basketball. While such occurrences have been witnessed in other major sports, the NBA is about to turn a new page with the James family.
Father-Son Legacies Across Sports
Instances of father-son pairings in professional sports are rare but noteworthy. For example, Ted and Charlie Nesser are the only father-son duo to have played on the same team in the NFL. The Nessers took the field for the Columbus Panhandles against the Akron World's Champions on September 25, 1921. This team was later disbanded and rebranded as the Columbus Tigers, which lasted until 1926. The Nessers’ legacy extended further as six other brothers—John, Paul, Phil, Ted, Frank, and Al—also played for the Panhandles at various times in the early 20th century.
In the NHL, the legendary Gordie Howe extended his illustrious career to play alongside his sons, Mark and Marty, for the Hartford Whalers. The younger Howes initially played for the Toronto Marlboros in the Ontario Hockey League during the 1972-73 season. Gordie Howe made a memorable return to the ice, joining his sons in the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros in 1973. Significantly, Mark Howe scored his first professional goal exactly 27 years after Gordie netted his first for the Detroit Red Wings. The trio later transitioned to the NHL's Hartford Whalers for the 1979-80 season, where Gordie made his mark with 15 goals and 26 assists.
Baseball has also seen its share of father-son duos making headlines. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. famously played for the Seattle Mariners from 1990 to 1991. A highlight of their tenure was on September 14, 1990, when they hit back-to-back home runs—a moment forever etched in Major League Baseball history. In the 1990 season, Ken Griffey Jr. demonstrated his prowess with 91 runs, 22 homers, and a .300 batting average.
Another notable pairing in baseball was Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr., who shared the outfield for the Baltimore Orioles in the latter part of the 2001 season. On October 4, 2001, they played side by side, with Tim Raines Sr. in left field and Tim Raines Jr. in center.
The James Family in NBA's Storied History
The James family's impending court appearance continues a proud tradition of father-son connections in the NBA. Other notable duos include Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, as well as the Currys—Dell, Steph, and Seth. Each of these pairs has left a distinct mark on the league, contributing to its rich history.
LeBron and Bronny James, however, present a unique narrative. LeBron’s storied career is well-documented—the championships, the MVP awards, and a reputation as one of the league’s all-time greats. Bronny’s journey, starting with his draft into the league by the Lakers, adds another chapter to this illustrious family story. The potential of watching them share the professional basketball stage is a testament to their enduring legacy and exceptional talent.
As the sports world eagerly anticipates this moment, the prospect of LeBron and Bronny James playing together offers a fresh and compelling story. Not just a culmination of LeBron’s long-standing dominance in the NBA, but also the beginning of Bronny’s own journey in the league. This father-son duo will undoubtedly provide fans with unforgettable moments, showcasing the synergy, talent, and familial bond that’s rarely seen in professional sports.