Bronny and LeBron James are on the brink of etching their names into the annals of sports history. In an unprecedented move, the Los Angeles Lakers selected LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny, with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. If both take the court in the upcoming season, it will mark the first time a father-son duo has played together in the NBA.
While this event signifies a monumental moment for basketball, the concept of father-son pairs excelling in professional sports is not new. The NFL and MLB have witnessed similar, albeit less frequent, occurrences. In the early 20th century, Ted and Charlie Nesser made waves in the NFL, playing for the Columbus Panhandles against the Akron World's Champions on September 25, 1921. The Panhandles, later rebranded as the Columbus Tigers, remained active until 1926. The Nesser legacy was bolstered by the involvement of six other Nesser brothers who played for the Panhandles at different times. Yet Ted and Charlie remain the sole father-son duo to have teamed up on the same NFL squad.
Professional hockey has also seen its share of familial partnerships. Gordie Howe, one of the most iconic figures in NHL history, played alongside his sons Mark and Marty for the Hartford Whalers. Gordie made a triumphant return to professional hockey in 1973 to join his sons in the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros. Mark scored his first professional goal exactly 27 years to the day after Gordie’s first goal for the Detroit Red Wings. The Howe family continued their journey together with the Hartford Whalers during the 1979-80 NHL season, where Gordie, despite his advancing age, managed 15 goals and 26 assists.
Baseball aficionados recall the Griffey legacy with fondness. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played for the Seattle Mariners from 1990 to 1991, providing fans an extraordinary spectacle. A defining moment came on September 14, 1990, when the Griffeys hit back-to-back home runs. During the 1990 season, Ken Griffey Jr. showcased prodigious talent by scoring 91 runs, hitting 22 homers, and maintaining a .300 batting average.
The MLB also featured Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr., who shared the outfield for the Baltimore Orioles in the latter part of the 2001 season. On October 4, 2001, Tim Raines Sr. patrolled left field while his son played center field, underscoring the familial bond inherent in sports. Such instances highlight the unique and sometimes rare opportunities for talented family members to share the spotlight on professional stages.
Returning to the hardwood, LeBron and Bronny James stand poised to join a lineage of famed NBA father-son duos, although none before them have shared the court simultaneously. The NBA has a rich history of father-son pairs making their mark, including Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and Dell, Steph, and Seth Curry. Each of these families has contributed indelibly to the sport in their own right, but none have had the opportunity to collaborate on the court in real-time competition.
As sports fans and analysts eagerly anticipate the upcoming NBA season, the potential pairing of LeBron and Bronny James adds another layer of excitement and intrigue. The prospect of seeing them play together not only enhances the Lakers' narrative but also sets a new benchmark for future generations. The blend of LeBron's seasoned expertise and Bronny's burgeoning talent promises riveting moments on the court, offering a historic spectacle for fans worldwide.
This moment in the NBA could signify more than just a family milestone; it symbolizes a convergence of legacy and innovation, ushering in a new era where the boundaries of sports history continually expand. The story of Bronny and LeBron James is poised to become an enduring chapter in the ever-evolving saga of professional sports, capturing the imagination and hearts of fans across the globe.