Bronny James Joins LeBron with Lakers, Making NBA History as Father-Son Duo
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, setting the stage for a historic father-son duo in the NBA.
LeBron James now has the chance to become teammates with his oldest son, Bronny, a milestone made possible by several factors. First, the other 29 teams in the league had to pass on Bronny during the draft. Second, the Lakers, LeBron’s team since 2018, had to seize the opportunity to select Bronny at No. 55. Third, LeBron needed to sustain a 21-year career in the NBA, which he has done with remarkable success. Lastly, Bronny had to prove his worth, despite his one-year college season being interrupted by a congenital heart defect.
LeBron’s endurance and Bronny’s talent have aligned, creating the possibility of seeing them share the same NBA court and uniform. This moment promises to be heartwarming for the James family and their fans, marking the first active father-son duo in NBA history. Such occurrences have been seen in other sports, notably with Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. in baseball and Gordie Howe and his sons in hockey, but this will be a unique achievement in basketball.
“NBA history could be made next season, and should be made in a Lakers uniform,” said Lakers GM Rob Pelinka.
Bronny, 19, excelled at Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles and then attended USC for the 2023 season. Before playing a college game, he suffered cardiac arrest, leading to a series of medical tests that eventually allowed him to complete his freshman year. Although his season at USC was underwhelming, with averages of 4.8 points, 36% shooting, and 2.8 rebounds, Bronny chose to enter the Draft. He showed promise at the NBA Draft Combine, improving his shooting and raising his draft stock.
Standing at 6-2, Bronny's passing, physical skills, and basketball IQ have impressed scouts, despite his inconsistent jump shot. As a teenager, he still has significant room for development. He may start the season in the G League or spend time there during the NBA season, as is common for second-round picks. Nevertheless, it’s inevitable that the James family and the Lakers will share this historic moment.
“He is a person of high character and someone who works incredibly hard,” Pelinka said. “He has the qualities we look for in drafting players and adding to our development program.”
The rest of the league ensured this father-son connection by refraining from selecting Bronny. Although not a first-round talent due to his underwhelming college season, some teams had the potential to disrupt the Lakers' plans. For instance, the Indiana Pacers, with three second-round picks, opted for Juan Nunez, Tristen Newton, and Enrique Freeman, the latter coincidentally hailing from Akron, the James family's hometown.
The Miami Heat chose Nikola Djurisic at No. 43, and the LA Clippers, despite their connections to the James family, selected Cameron Christie. The Boston Celtics, at No. 54, one spot ahead of the Lakers, picked Anton Watson from Gonzaga, allowing the Lakers to secure Bronny.
Whether an unspoken pledge or a gentlemen’s agreement influenced the other teams’ decisions, the rest of the league’s cooperation granted the James family this historic opportunity, leading to moments of joy and relief for them.
