For the first time in NBA history, a father and son will play on the same team after Bronny James was selected by the LA Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Bronny James was picked by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 55th overall pick in the second round of the Draft on June 28. With LeBron James still under contract with the team, it is almost certain that the James duo will don the same jersey next season, marking an unprecedented event in the NBA.
Superstar LeBron James (right) and his son Bronny James at a basketball event in the US. Photo: Sky
Born in 2004, Bronny James stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. He is the eldest son in LeBron James’s three-child family. After returning to play for the University of Southern California following a year off due to a cardiac arrest, Bronny decided to enter this summer’s NBA Draft. Earlier this month, he was still torn between pursuing his NBA dream or returning to NCAA college basketball for further development.
Although Bronny’s physique, athleticism, and skills are not as highly regarded as his legendary father’s, he possesses certain qualities that led the LA Lakers to choose him. In last month’s skills assessment, Bronny excelled in defense and showed potential in three-point shooting. He is expected to develop into a defensive guard and a spot-up shooter, fulfilling a specific role within an NBA team.
“In NBA history, there has never been a father and son playing in the same jersey, and this is truly magical,” said Lakers executive Rob Pelinka. “We recognize and respect the possibility that LeBron might leave the Lakers. But if everything goes well, he stays, and we will witness a historic event.”
Pelinka’s remarks allude to LeBron James potentially activating his Player Option clause, which would allow him to leave the Lakers as early as July 1. The 39-year-old player is almost certain to do this but only to sign a new, more lucrative contract with the Lakers, reportedly worth around $167 million over three years.
While Bronny has joined the Lakers, it is uncertain if he will play alongside LeBron next season or even make the active roster. Much will depend on the pre-season training camp and whether the Lakers’ management will facilitate the father-son duo’s appearance on the court.
NBA experts believe that choosing Bronny was a sensible decision for the Lakers. They gain a young player with potential who also brings significant commercial value alongside his famous father. Bronny might debut in a Lakers jersey on July 12 in Las Vegas during the Summer League opener against the Houston Rockets.
