The stage is set for an extraordinary chapter in NBA history as LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, inch closer to sharing the court in the upcoming season. The Los Angeles Lakers made waves by selecting Bronny as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Should this father-son duo suit up together, it would mark an unprecedented event in the NBA landscape.
While the notion of familial connections in professional sports isn't new, the prospect of LeBron and Bronny playing together brings renewed excitement to the NBA. This unique scenario has seen parallels in other major sports, but never within the confines of an NBA court.
Historical Comparisons
In the annals of sports history, father-son tandems have made their mark. Ted and Charlie Nesser remain the only father-son duo to have played on the same NFL team. On September 25, 1921, they took to the field for the Columbus Panhandles against the Akron World's Champions. The Panhandles later rebranded as the Columbus Tigers, continuing until 1926. The Nessers weren’t just limited to father and son; six brothers—John, Paul, Phil, Ted, Frank, and Al—also donned the Panhandles jersey at various times in the early 20th century.
In the NHL, the legendary Gordie Howe achieved a remarkable feat by playing alongside his sons, Mark and Marty Howe, for the Hartford Whalers during the 1979-80 season. This milestone came after Gordie had returned to professional hockey to join his sons in the World Hockey Association (WHA)'s Houston Aeros in 1973. Mark Howe's career had poetic moments, including scoring his first professional goal exactly 27 years after Gordie’s inaugural goal for the Detroit Red Wings. Gordie continued to contribute significantly, notching 15 goals and 26 assists in the 1979-80 season.
Baseball’s Unique Duos
Baseball, too, has celebrated father-son pairs on the same team. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. made MLB history playing together for the Seattle Mariners from 1990 to 1991. A memorable highlight came on September 14, 1990, when they hit back-to-back home runs, encapsulating their synergistic prowess. That season, Ken Griffey Jr. demonstrated his burgeoning talent, scoring 91 runs, hitting 22 homers, and maintaining a .300 batting average.
More recently, Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. united in the outfield for the Baltimore Orioles late in the 2001 season. On October 4, 2001, Tim Raines Sr. covered left field while Tim Raines Jr. patrolled center field, adding another chapter to the legacy of father-son collaborations in professional sports.
The NBA's Familial Fabric
While LeBron and Bronny’s potential on-court partnership is poised to be a first in NBA history, father-son duos being drafted into the league is not uncommon. Over the years, several father-son pairs have left indelible marks. Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and the Curry family—Dell, Steph, and Seth—have collectively contributed to the league's rich tapestry. Each duo or trio represents the evolving narrative of talent, legacy, and familial bonds intertwined with professional basketball.
The anticipated union of LeBron and Bronny James on the court represents more than just a personal milestone; it is a testament to LeBron's enduring influence and the generational bridge connecting past, present, and future NBA stars. As the upcoming season unfolds, the basketball world watches with bated breath, eager to witness history in the making.