Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of NBA legend LeBron James, was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers for the second round of the NBA draft. Bronny was the 55th overall pick in New York on Thursday, June 27. His selection ended weeks of speculation about the future team.
Four-time NBA champion LeBron James is potentially entering the final year of his illustrious career. The 39-year-old can become a free agent this summer by opting out of his $51.4 million player option. This scenario, however, seems unlikely considering LeBron’s declaration after the 2022 All-Star game that his “last year will be played with [his] son.”
This pairing will mark history in the NBA as the first-ever father-son duo. Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka highlighted this potential historical significance, stating, “In the history of the NBA, there’s never been a father and a son that has shared an NBA basketball court, and that feels like something that could be magical.” He added, “NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform.”
Bronny James’ Selection and His Journey to the Lakers
Bronny expressed his gratitude on his Instagram handle with the post “Beyond Blessed.” LeBron James shared a similar sentiment with a series of photos on the same social media platform captioned “Legacy.” Bronny recently completed his first year of college basketball at the University of Southern California Trojans. He scored an average of 4.8 points and 2.1 assists per game.
Unlike his 6-foot-9 father, Bronny stands at 6-foot-1. He is known for his defensive prowess. Despite being in the spotlight as the son of an iconic player, Bronny’s journey has not been easy in the sports industry. Last July, he suffered a cardiac arrest during training. He was only allowed to return to basketball last November after being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.
Challenges and Expectations for Bronny’s NBA Career
Considering it is Bronny’s rookie season, he is not expected to play a major role for the Lakers. However, the possibility of him appearing alongside his father on the court has already generated extensive interest in the industry. Lakers star Anthony Davis has praised Bronny, saying, “He’s very good defensively. He can read the floor very well. I think he’s a really good playmaker.”
Highlighting the historic possibility of witnessing the father-son duo on the same court, Sam Harris of BBC Sport noted that Bronny will aim to establish his own legacy in the NBA. According to Harris, playing alongside one of the league’s greatest players and its all-time leading scorer is a daunting challenge. When that player is his father, the expectations will be even higher.
Bronny’s college career was stalled by health issues, but he proved his defensive skills and agility at the 2024 draft combine. He excelled in the three-point shooting contest and agility drills. Although he may not be a significant offensive contributor in his first year, Bronny is likely to spend some time in the G-League to develop his skills further. Honing his behind-the-arc shooting skills will be crucial for his growth as a guard.
Being the 55th pick in a draft class where he will be counted among a few standout talents, Bronny might find some relief from the pressure. Considering LeBron James’ illustrious career and mindset, nothing less than reaching the pinnacle is considered a true success, and Bronny most likely shares a similar ambition.
The Lakers have recently appointed former NBA star JJ Redick as head coach and are searching for their 18th championship. This new Hollywood narrative will further intensify the excitement. Time will tell whether the father-son duo will make history, but this historic pairing certainly promises a compelling story for basketball fans.
