For the first time in NBA history, a father and son will play on the same team. That is what the upcoming season will showcase when Bronny James comes off the bench to share the floor with his father LeBron James. This was made possible when the Los Angeles Lakers went with what they felt was the best way forward and drafted the former USC star in round 2 of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Heading into the draft, it was well known that the Los Angeles Lakers were the most likely destination for the guard. However, as the draft came closer, news started to do the rounds that a handful of teams were interested in drafting James Jr. But when the time arrived, they all backed out and drafted their players. Bronny James was still available at No. 55. Then NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum came out to the podium to announce that the Lakers selected James Jr.
There have been several sons who followed in the footsteps of their fathers and have played in the same sport. The first official father-and-son duo to ever play together in a professional American league was in the MLB. Ken Griffey Sr. signed with the Seattle Mariners in his final season to play alongside his future Hall of Famer son Ken Griffey Jr.
Other than that, no other father-son duo has played on the same team. The James’ will make history in the NBA when the season starts in October. James Jr. comes into the Lakers with skills that they need heading into next season.
The NBA world reacts to Bronny James joining his father
Even though it was known all along that the Los Angeles Lakers is the most obvious destination. But for it to actually happen was a surreal moment. This led many fans and the who’s who of the NBA to come out and congratulate the James’ on this historic feat.
They took to social media to send out the good words as Mark Tatum finished announcing the pick. Check out some of the comments below;
Now the grind will start, and Bronny James will be in prime position to learn more about the Lakers offense from his father. How James Jr.’s career in the NBA pans out is a question for a different hour. But come October, the NBA world will be waiting for the first time LeBron James and his son play at the same time.