Bronny and LeBron James are on the verge of making sports history as the Los Angeles Lakers selected LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny, as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. This potential tandem has basketball fans buzzing with excitement, as it heralds the possibility of the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA.
This historical moment carries a unique significance within the sphere of professional sports. While unprecedented in the NBA, there have been instances in other leagues where fathers and sons have graced the field together. Notably, Ted and Charlie Nesser achieved this in the NFL, playing for the Columbus Panhandles in 1921. The Panhandles, remembered for their familial bonds, featured six Nesser brothers who donned their jerseys at various times during the early 20th century. Post their disbandment and rebranding to the Columbus Tigers, the team remained an intrinsic part of NFL's rich history until 1926.
In the realm of ice hockey, the legendary Gordie Howe famously played alongside his sons, Mark and Marty Howe, first with the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros in 1973 and later with the NHL's Hartford Whalers during the 1979-80 season. Gordie Howe, known as "Mr. Hockey," returned from retirement to share the ice with his sons, marking a family legacy. In the latter season, Gordie impressively contributed 15 goals and 26 assists at the age of 51, continuing to build on his storied career while playing alongside his progeny.
Baseball, too, has witnessed remarkable father-son moments. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. created unforgettable memories when both played for the Seattle Mariners from 1990 to 1991. On September 14, 1990, the Griffeys etched their names into baseball lore by hitting back-to-back home runs in a single game. Ken Griffey Jr., in particular, had a standout season in 1990, scoring 91 runs, hitting 22 home runs, and maintaining a .300 batting average.
Similarly, in late 2001, Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. took the field as teammates for the Baltimore Orioles, with the senior Raines playing left field and his son in center field on October 4, 2001. Their brief time together showcased the continuation of athletic prowess across generations.
LeBron and Bronny James are set not only to be part of these memorable father-son sports legacies but also to join the ranks of notable NBA father-son pairs who have both been drafted into the league. This list includes distinguished names such as Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and Dell, Steph, and Seth Curry.
If LeBron and Bronny manage to play together in the upcoming season, their achievement won't just be a personal milestone but a landmark moment in NBA history, adding a new chapter to the storied traditions of father-son duos in professional sports. The anticipation surrounding their potential pairing adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming NBA season, promising fans a unique glimpse into the fusion of experience and emerging talent on the court.