Bronny and LeBron James stand on the threshold of a historic moment in sports. The Los Angeles Lakers have selected Bronny, LeBron’s eldest son, as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. If both take the court in the forthcoming NBA season, it will be a groundbreaking event, marking the first time a father-son duo has played together in the NBA.
A Historic Milestone
This event is unprecedented in NBA history. The league has seen numerous father-son pairs, but never have they played on the same team simultaneously. Notable NBA father-son pairs include Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and the Currys—Dell, Steph, and Seth. However, none of these duos shared the court as teammates.
In contrast, such family pairings have occurred in other major sports. In the NFL, Ted and Charlie Nesser are the sole father-son duo to have played for the same team. They took the field together for the Columbus Panhandles against the Akron World's Champions on September 25, 1921. The Nessers, including brothers John, Paul, Phil, Ted, Frank, and Al, were a multigenerational football family who played for the Panhandles and later the Columbus Tigers until 1926.
Other Father-Son Pairings in Sports
The NHL witnessed a similar event when Gordie Howe played alongside his sons Mark and Marty for the Hartford Whalers in the 1979-80 season. Before joining the NHL, Gordie made a return to hockey to play with his sons for the Houston Aeros in the World Hockey Association in 1973. The Howe family made a significant impact on the sport, showcasing Gordie’s ability to score 15 goals and provide 26 assists during the 1979-80 NHL season.
Baseball has seen its share of father-son duos as well. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played together for the Seattle Mariners from 1990 to 1991. Their standout moment came on September 14, 1990, when they hit back-to-back home runs. Ken Griffey Jr. had a particularly stellar 1990 season, scoring 91 runs, hitting 22 homers, and maintaining a .300 batting average. Additionally, Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. roamed the outfield together for the Baltimore Orioles during the latter part of the 2001 season, notably playing left and center field respectively on October 4, 2001.
What Lies Ahead
LeBron and Bronny James now have the opportunity to add their names to this illustrious list of familial athletic achievements. If they share the court, it will undoubtedly captivate basketball fans worldwide and further cement the James family's legacy in the annals of sports history.
As we anticipate this momentous occasion, one can only imagine the blend of excitement and pressure that accompanies such a prospect. Both players bring their unique skills and reputations to the game, promising electrifying teamwork and possibly setting new records. The world will be watching, ready to witness history unfold with every dribble, pass, and shot they take together.