LeBron and Bronny James Poised to Make NBA History
The basketball world is on the brink of witnessing a historic moment. The Los Angeles Lakers recently picked Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA legend LeBron James, as their 55th choice in the 2024 NBA Draft. This sets the stage for an unparalleled event in basketball history: a father and son potentially sharing the court as teammates.
If LeBron and Bronny James both suit up for the Lakers this season, they will break new ground in the league's storied annals. The NBA has seen many father-son duos, but never have they played together on the same team at the same time. This remarkable scenario highlights the unique legacy the James family could have in the sports realm.
While this occurrence is unprecedented in basketball, the idea of a father-son duo on the same professional sports team isn't entirely new. The NFL, NHL, and MLB have seen similar moments of familial unity under the bright lights of professional competition. Ted and Charlie Nesser of the early 20th-century NFL were the first to accomplish this feat. Playing for the Columbus Panhandles, they faced the Akron World’s Champions on September 25, 1921. The Panhandles, an early NFL team, eventually evolved into the Columbus Tigers, a franchise that lasted until 1926.
The Nessers weren’t the only notable family in the early days of professional sports. Gordie Howe, one of hockey's greatest, took to the ice alongside his sons Mark and Marty Howe. Gordie made a legendary return to the sport by joining the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros in 1973, precisely to play with his sons. Mark Howe etched his name among professional hockey's elite, scoring his first professional goal exactly 27 years after Gordie's inaugural goal for the Detroit Red Wings. The trio later moved to the NHL's Hartford Whalers in the 1979-80 season, where the elder Howe contributed 15 goals and 26 assists.
In Major League Baseball, the remarkable story of Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. stands out. From 1990 to 1991, the pair shared the outfield for the Seattle Mariners. A memorable moment came on September 14, 1990, when they belted back-to-back home runs—a first in MLB history. That season, the younger Griffey showcased his burgeoning talent with 91 runs, 22 homers, and an impressive .300 batting average.
The MLB has another father-son moment with Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. The two played for the Baltimore Orioles towards the end of the 2001 season. On October 4, 2001, they roamed the outfield together, with the father anchoring left field and the son patrolling center field.
Back on the hardwood, father-son pairs have become a cherished lineage within the NBA, though none have yet shared a playing roster. Notable duos include Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and the Curry family trio—Dell, Steph, and Seth. Each of these families has contributed significantly to the league, weaving their narratives across different teams and eras.
As the anticipation builds, LeBron and Bronny James are poised to add a new chapter to sports history. Their potential debut as teammates would be more than a personal milestone; it would be a landmark achievement for the NBA, symbolizing both LeBron's enduring excellence and Bronny’s entry into a world of high expectations and shining possibilities.
With the Lakers' preseason activities soon to commence, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching for any indication of how this father-son duo might shape their team's future. As Bronny steps into the league under the towering shadow of his father's legacy, he has a unique opportunity to not only share the court with one of basketball's greatest but also to start carving out his path in NBA history.