Lebron James, professional NBA player for the Los Angeles Lakers & eldest son Bronny James recently became the first father-son duo in the history of the NBA to play on the same team, at the same time. From playing college basketball for the USC Trojans, Bronny James was selected as the 55th pick on Thursday, June 27th at the NBA Draft.
Lebron James and Bronny are the first son-father to actively play together on the same team in the NBA but they aren’t alone as there has been four other times in sports history where fathers have played together on the same team, just within different leagues. Father son duos in sports history include; Ted and Charlie Nesser (NFL’s Columbus Panhandles, 1921), Gordie, Mark and Marty Howe (NHL’s Hartford Whalers 1979-1980), Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. (MLB’s Seattle Mariners, 1990-1991), Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. (MLB’s Baltimore Orioles, 2001), & now LeBron and Bronny James (NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, 2024-).
Being the son of a successful and notable player like his father, sharing a name and passion for the same sport Bronny has had to prove himself and has continued to do just that so it’s only right that Bronny wants to make a name for himself. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul stated that “Bronny wants to be his own man” which is understandable as there is more “pressure” being applied to him especially with his familial background. He stated that he’s seen the conversations on social media and the internet talk “about how [he] might not deserve an opportunity” such as this one.
With greatness and achievements comes some criticism, and there has been doubts about the recent draft pick decision. People believed that it was always in motion or was a calculated plan for the father and son to play together, but Bronny expressed that he wants to get his name out for himself and that he “never really planned on playing with [his] dad… that’s always there to take part of, but it wasn’t a main focus of [his].”
According to Brad Crawford at 247Sports, Bronny is a “former four-star recruit who’s played in 24 games for USC as a true freshman this past season and he averaged 4.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 19.3 minutes per contest. He shot 37.4% from the floor and 27.3% from 3-point range.” Bronny has a point to prove and even with complaints of nepotism he continues to reveal that his dedication and talent has gotten him here and will be the reason he stays.
“Beyond Blessed”, Bronny James expresses in instagram post after the 2024 draft pick decision.
https://247sports.com/article/bronny-james-on-nba-draft-lebron-james-i-never-thought-about-just-playing-with-my-dad-231785351/
