Bronny and LeBron James are poised to make sports history.
The Los Angeles Lakers selected LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny, as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. If they both take the court in the upcoming season, it would mark the first time a father-son duo has played together in the NBA. This event is unprecedented in the league, adding extra anticipation and excitement for basketball fans around the world.
Historical Precedents in Other Sports
The notion of father-son duos playing together, while groundbreaking in the NBA, has its precedents in other sports. In the NFL, Ted and Charlie Nesser were the only father-son duo to have played on the same team. This occurred when they suited up for the Columbus Panhandles against the Akron World's Champions on September 25, 1921. The Columbus Panhandles were later disbanded and rebranded as the Columbus Tigers, which lasted until 1926. Interestingly, the Nessers had six brothers – John, Paul, Phil, Ted, Frank, and Al – who all played for the Panhandles at various times in the early 20th century.
In the NHL, Gordie Howe played alongside his sons Mark and Marty for the Hartford Whalers. Before joining the NHL, they played for the Toronto Marlboros in the Ontario Hockey League during the 1972-73 season. Gordie Howe made a return to hockey to join his sons in the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros in 1973. Remarkably, Mark Howe scored his first professional goal exactly 27 years after Gordie scored his first goal with the Detroit Red Wings. The family trio transitioned to the NHL’s Hartford Whalers in the 1979-80 season, during which Gordie contributed an impressive 15 goals and 26 assists.
Baseball also has its share of memorable father-son moments. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played for the Seattle Mariners from 1990 to 1991. One of the most iconic moments came on September 14, 1990, when they hit back-to-back home runs. Ken Griffey Jr. had an outstanding season in 1990, scoring 91 runs, hitting 22 homers, and achieving a .300 batting average. Similarly, Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. shared the outfield for the Baltimore Orioles in the latter part of the 2001 season. They both took the field on October 4, 2001, with Tim Raines Sr. playing in left field and Tim Raines Jr. in center field.
A Legacy in the Making
LeBron and Bronny James are set to join a distinguished list of father-son duos who have both been drafted into the NBA. Notable NBA father-son pairs include Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and Dell, Steph, and Seth Curry. These pairings have left an indelible mark on the sport, combining legacy with talent passed down through generations.
As Bronny embarks on his professional journey, the potential for him to play alongside his father offers a narrative rich with emotional and historical significance. Fans will no doubt be eager to witness this monumental moment in NBA history, as the James family continues to carve out its legacy on the court.