LeBron James, one of the most iconic figures in basketball history, is on the brink of achieving a milestone that transcends his already storied career. The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James, LeBron’s eldest son, as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, marking a historic moment as the first father-son duo to play together in the league.
This achievement fulfills a long-held dream for LeBron, who has often expressed his desire to share the court with Bronny before the end of his illustrious career.
In a recent episode of his show, “The Shop,” recorded in Paris during the 2024 Olympics—where LeBron secured his third gold medal—the 39-year-old superstar opened up about his excitement and the emotional significance of this moment.
“I can’t wait for this moment. I really cannot wait to hit the floor with [Bronny],” LeBron shared. “It’s going to be pretty surreal for me. That might be the first time I sit back like, ‘Oh, s—, this is really cool.’ … I’ve been so in the moment my whole career that I pray and hope that me being with my son will finally give me the opportunity to pull back and appreciate it.”
Bronny James’ journey to the NBA has been anything but smooth. His path was marred by a significant health scare in July 2023, when he suffered cardiac arrest during a practice session due to a congenital heart defect. The incident sent shockwaves through the basketball community, raising concerns about Bronny’s future in the sport.
However, Bronny made a successful recovery and went on to play for the University of Southern California (USC) in his freshman season, where he averaged 4.8 points and 2.1 assists per game.
Despite the challenges, Bronny’s selection by the Lakers signals a new chapter in his young career. While he may not yet be ready to make an immediate impact on the Lakers’ roster, the opportunity to develop under the guidance of his father and other seasoned professionals could be invaluable.
As the Lakers gear up for the 2024-25 season, the addition of Bronny James adds a layer of intrigue to a team looking to rebound from a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. The Lakers finished last season with a 47-35 record, only to suffer a swift first-round exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. With the Western Conference growing even more competitive, the road ahead for Los Angeles is fraught with challenges.
Bronny’s potential impact remains to be seen. The young point guard is unlikely to see significant minutes in his rookie season, given the team’s existing depth and the demands of the NBA. However, the Lakers’ other rookie guard, Dalton Knecht, could play a crucial role.
Knecht, a former All-American from Tennessee, has shown promise as a shooter, averaging 21.7 points per game on impressive shooting splits during his final college season. He continued to impress during the Summer League, where he put up solid numbers, indicating he could carve out a role as a valuable bench shooter for the Lakers.
Beyond the rookies, the Lakers will rely on the core of their roster from last season, with the notable exceptions of Taurean Prince and Spencer Dinwiddie. Prince, a versatile combo forward, signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, seeking a championship with Giannis Antetokounmpo and company.
Dinwiddie returned to the Dallas Mavericks after helping them reach the 2024 NBA Finals. Their departures leave gaps that the Lakers will need to address if they hope to contend in an increasingly stacked Western Conference.
The father-son pairing of LeBron and Bronny James is not only a personal milestone but also a unique dynamic that will unfold both on and off the court. LeBron has emphasized the importance of Bronny forging his own identity as a player, even as they prepare to share the spotlight. “This is a dream come true for me, but it’s also important for Bronny to develop into the player he wants to be. I’m here to support him, but I want him to shine in his own right,” LeBron remarked.
As they embark on this unprecedented journey together, all eyes will be on how the duo manages their relationship in the high-stakes environment of the NBA. For LeBron, it represents a rare opportunity to step back and savour the moment, a chance to appreciate his son’s growth and his own legacy in a way that he’s seldom allowed himself during his career. For Bronny, it’s the beginning of a challenging but potentially rewarding path to carving out his place in the NBA, under the watchful eye of his legendary father.
