LeBron and Bronny James: On the Verge of an Unprecedented NBA Milestone
Bronny and LeBron James are on the cusp of doing something never seen before in the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny, LeBron’s eldest son, as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. This father-son duo could share the court in the upcoming season, marking a historic first for the NBA.
The concept of family connections in professional sports isn't new, but the potential pairing of LeBron and Bronny brings a fresh level of excitement. This event is not only unique for basketball fans but also highlights an undercurrent of familial legacies in sports history.
Looking at other sports, the NFL’s Ted and Charlie Nesser are the only father-son duo known to have played on the same team. They took the field together for the Columbus Panhandles against the Akron World's Champions on September 25, 1921. The Panhandles eventually became the Columbus Tigers, a team that lasted until 1926. Interestingly, Ted and Charlie were part of a family deeply rooted in football, with six other Nesser brothers also suiting up for the Panhandles in the early 20th century.
In the NHL, the legendary Gordie Howe played alongside his sons Mark and Marty with the Hartford Whalers. Before joining the Whalers, Mark and Marty Howe played for the Toronto Marlboros in the Ontario Hockey League during the 1972-73 season. Gordie made a notable return to hockey to unite with his sons in the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros in 1973. Intriguingly, Mark Howe scored his first professional goal exactly 27 years after Gordie scored his inaugural goal with the Detroit Red Wings. The trio of Howes continued their journey to the NHL, playing with the Hartford Whalers in the 1979-80 season, where Gordie, at the age of 52, contributed 15 goals and 26 assists.
Baseball also has its memorable father-son moments. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. left an indelible mark as teammates with the Seattle Mariners from 1990 to 1991. One of their career highlights occurred on September 14, 1990, when they hit back-to-back home runs. For the 1990 season, Ken Griffey Jr. showcased his burgeoning talent, scoring 91 runs, hitting 22 homers, and posting a .300 batting average.
Another notable pairing in baseball includes Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr., who shared the outfield for the Baltimore Orioles towards the end of the 2001 season. The father-son duo played together on October 4, 2001, with Tim Raines Sr. in left field and his son in center field.
Returning to the hardcourt, LeBron and Bronny James aim to join the list of father-son duos who have both been drafted into the NBA. Some notable NBA father-son pairs include Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and the Curry family with Dell, Steph, and Seth.
The possible on-court collaboration of LeBron and Bronny James not only promises to add a unique chapter to their illustrious careers but also highlights a recurring theme in sports: the blending of familial legacy with professional achievement. The prospect of seeing them play together would be a testament to LeBron's longevity and Bronny's potential, captivating the imagination of sports fans everywhere.
Sports history has its fair share of generational talent, but very few have had the opportunity to play side by side. The pending debut of this father-son duo in a professional NBA game carries with it the weight of history and the promise of an unforgettable moment. As the upcoming season approaches, anticipation builds not just among Lakers fans but within the broader sports community, eager to witness another page of history being written.