For the first time in NBA history, a father and son pair played for the same team, after Bronny James was selected by the LA Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Bronny James was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 55th round of the second round of the Draft on June 28. With LeBron James still under contract with the team, it is almost certain that father and son James will play side by side in the same shirt next season. This has never happened in the NBA before.
Superstar LeBron James (right) and his son Bronny James, at a basketball event in the US. Photo: Sky
Bronny James was born in 2004, is 1m87 tall and weighs 95kg, is the eldest son of LeBron James ‘ family of three children . Returning to play for the University of Southern California team after a year of cardiac arrest, Bronny decided to participate in the NBA Draft this summer. Earlier this month, he was still undecided between pursuing his NBA dream or returning to the NCAA university arena to further hone his skills.
Bronny’s physique, athleticism, and skills are not as highly regarded as his legendary father, but he also has certain qualities that the LA Lakers should consider. During the skills test last month, Bronny performed well on the defensive front, in addition to his three-point shooting potential. He is expected to become a pure defender and shooter, capable of playing a certain role on an NBA team.
“In the history of the NBA, there has never been a father and son playing for the same team and it’s incredible,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said. “We know and respect the possibility that LeBron could leave the Lakers. But if everything works out, he stays and we’ll see something historic.”
Pelinka’s statement mentioned the possibility of LeBron James activating the Player Option clause allowing him to leave the Lakers as soon as July 1. The 39-year-old player will almost certainly do this, but to sign a new contract with the Lakers with a higher value, expected to be about 167 million USD for three years.
Joining the Lakers, Bronny is not sure to play with LeBron next season, and is not even sure to be on the registration list. Everything depends on the pre-season training session and whether the Lakers leadership intentionally creates conditions for the appearance of father and son on the field or not.
NBA experts believe that choosing Bronny is a reasonable decision for the Lakers. They own a young player with potential, and he also brings great commercial value along with his famous father. Bronny can debut for the Lakers on July 12 in Las Vegas in the Summer League opener against the Houston Rockets.
