LeBron James and his son Bronny have officially become teammates, marking a historic moment in NBA history. Bronny, 19, was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 55th overall pick during the second round of the NBA draft on June 27, 2024. This selection makes the James duo the first father-son pair to play in the NBA simultaneously and on the same team.
Magic Johnson, a former Lakers player, expressed his excitement on social media, calling it a historic moment. “Watching Bronny suit up for the Lakers during Summer League in Vegas will be must-see TV!” he wrote.
Bronny, the eldest of LeBron’s three children, is set to enter the NBA after a challenging season at the University of Southern California. Initially projected as a top-10 NBA Draft pick by ESPN, Bronny’s draft status dropped due to health issues and a lackluster freshman season. An anonymous NBA general manager even suggested that Bronny was “nowhere near ready” for the league, advising him to return to school to develop at his own pace.
Bronny missed the first eight games of the NCAA season after suffering cardiac arrest during a practice in July 2023. Diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, he returned to USC’s lineup in December, with his father watching from the stands. Despite his struggles, LeBron continued to support his son, even claiming that Bronny “could play for us right now, easy” during a tough stretch for the Lakers.
Bronny impressed scouts at pre-draft workouts, aiming to carve out his own legacy. “My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself, and of course get to the NBA,” he said. LeBron, who has to opt into the final year of his Lakers contract worth $51.4 million for the 2024-2025 season, has long expressed a desire to play alongside his son.
The Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny has sparked debate. Some see it as a sign of respect for LeBron, while others view it as nepotism. However, the Lakers secured their desired player in the first round, and drafting Bronny ensures LeBron stays with the team. Notable players picked after the 55th draft have gone on to achieve significant accomplishments, suggesting that each pick could have gone to someone without star player connections.
Bronny’s journey to the NBA has been anything but smooth. He suffered a cardiac arrest during a USC team workout in July 2023, caused by a congenital heart defect. Cleared to return to practice four months later, he made his college debut on December 10 against Long Beach State. He appeared in USC’s final 25 games, starting six and averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes.
Bronny declared for the NBA Draft on April 5, 2024, and entered the transfer portal to maintain flexibility as he worked out for NBA teams. His decision comes ahead of a big one for his father, who has to decide whether to opt into his $51.4 million player option for 2024-25 by June 29. The Lakers are open to helping LeBron fulfill his dream of playing with his son by potentially drafting him.
LeBron celebrated the news by posting several photos and videos of himself and Bronny with a one-word caption: “Legacy!” The Lakers also shared a photo of LeBron and Bronny with the caption “Family business,” and Bronny added on his Instagram Story, “Beyond blessed.”
Bronny’s induction into the NBA comes nearly a year after his hospitalization for cardiac arrest. In July 2023, he experienced a medical emergency during basketball practice at USC, leading him to be transported to the ICU. He was released from the hospital later that month and returned to the basketball court in December for his USC debut, with LeBron cheering him on from the sidelines.
Bronny’s journey has been a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the challenges, he has made it to the NBA, and his father couldn’t be prouder. “I just want to say I’m thankful for everything,” Bronny said during a post-game conference, giving shoutouts to “my parents and siblings for supporting me through this hard time in my life.”
LeBron and Bronny aren’t the only father-son duo in the NBA. LeBron, the oldest active NBA player, has played against players like Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, whose father is Rick Brunson, as well as Gary Payton II and Jabari Smith Jr. However, the James duo is unique in that they will be playing on the same team, making history if they step on the court together.
Bronny’s draft range was wide, and his agent Rich Paul emphasized the importance of the team’s strategy, opportunity, and financial commitment. “He’s a really good prospect who has a lot of room for growth. It only takes one team,” Paul said. Bronny’s success during a shooting drill at the NBA Draft Combine reminded evaluators of his potential to shoot the ball despite his percentages.
Bronny’s measurements at the combine confirmed his height at 6-foot-1 1/2 without shoes, with a 6-7 1/4 wingspan and an 8-2 1/2 standing reach. This puts him more in the ballpark of a point guard rather than a combo or shooting guard. His standing reach is comparable to past players like Bruce Brown, Collin Sexton, Terry Rozier, and Avery Bradley.
Bronny’s decision to remain in the 2024 NBA Draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility was expected. He has been fully cleared to play by the NBA’s Fitness to Play Panel and participated in all pre-draft activities. While not considered a top prospect, his surname and journey back to the court following a serious health scare make him one of the most notable players in this year’s draft class.
LeBron has expressed a desire to end his career playing alongside his son, and the Lakers are open to helping him fulfill this dream. The NBA Draft takes place on June 26-27, and all eyes will be on the James duo as they make history.
Source: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty, Jeffery Salter/Sports Illustrated/Getty, Frazer Harrison/Getty, Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times/Shutterstock, Joe Robbins/Getty Images, Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images, Chad Johnson/Instagram
