LeBron and Bronny James are poised to make NBA history in a way that has never been seen before. The Los Angeles Lakers' selection of LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny, as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft has set the stage for an unprecedented father-son duo on the court. If both James take to the hardwood this upcoming season, it will mark the first time in NBA history that a father and son have played together.
A Historic Milestone in the NBA
The NBA has seen its share of father-son duos, but none have shared the court at the same time. Notable father-son pairs in the league’s history include Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and the prolific Curry family trio of Dell, Steph, and Seth Curry. While these duos have made their marks individually, an on-court partnership between LeBron and Bronny James would be a groundbreaking first.
Such milestones aren’t entirely foreign to the wider world of professional sports. The NFL's sole father-son pair, Ted and Charlie Nesser, played for the Columbus Panhandles against the Akron World's Champions over a century ago on September 25, 1921. The Panhandles were eventually rebranded as the Columbus Tigers, a team that lasted until 1926. The Nessers also boasted a remarkable six brothers—John, Paul, Phil, Ted, Frank, and Al—who all played for the Panhandles in the early 20th century.
Other Sports' Familial Partnerships
In the world of hockey, Gordie Howe famously played alongside his sons Mark and Marty for the NHL's Hartford Whalers. The involvement of the Howe family in professional hockey is deeply rooted; Gordie re-entered the sport specifically to join his sons in the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros in 1973. A poetic moment came when Mark Howe scored his first professional goal exactly 27 years after Gordie netted his first with the Detroit Red Wings. The trio later transitioned to the NHL's Hartford Whalers for the 1979-80 season, with Gordie contributing 15 goals and 26 assists in that campaign.
Baseball has seen its share of father-son duos as well. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. made headlines playing for the Seattle Mariners between 1990 and 1991. A particularly memorable moment came when both hit back-to-back home runs on September 14, 1990. That season, Ken Griffey Jr. stood out with 91 runs, 22 homers, and an impressive .300 batting average. Similarly, Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. shared the outfield for the Baltimore Orioles in the latter part of the 2001 season, with Tim Raines Sr. in left field and Tim Raines Jr. in center field during a game on October 4, 2001.
The Significance of LeBron and Bronny
For LeBron and Bronny James, the significance of their potential on-court partnership goes beyond personal achievement, symbolizing a new chapter in sports history. LeBron James has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and now, the prospect of playing alongside his son adds another remarkable dimension to his storied career.
As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, the possibility of witnessing LeBron guiding Bronny on the professional stage captures the imagination. With a list of accomplishments that continues to grow, LeBron's role as both a player and a father takes on a historic overtone.
In conclusion, should LeBron and Bronny James both don the Lakers' uniform this season, it will be a moment not just for the record books, but for the heart of sports storytelling. It represents not only the culmination of individual talent and hard work but also the powerful bonds of family and legacy. The basketball world awaits this potential father-son debut, ready to embrace a new historical landmark in the annals of the NBA.