Bronny James's NBA draft moment made history as he and his father, LeBron James, became the first father-son pair to simultaneously play in the league. Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 55th pick in the second round, Bronny's selection was announced by Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum at ESPN's Seaport studio.
LeBron James has consistently expressed his wish to play alongside his son before retiring, and as he enters his 22nd NBA season, the league's all-time leading scorer has now achieved that goal.
Bronny, at 19 years old, was drafted almost exactly 21 years after LeBron was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.
Huge bounce back for Bronny James Jr.
James Jr., who played a single season at the University of Southern California, made a significant return to basketball following a sudden cardiac arrest he experienced during a July 2023 practice with the Trojans. The James family later announced his intention to resume his basketball career after consultations with multiple doctors, where he debuted for USC in December.
Before his cardiac arrest, Bronny had an impressive senior season in high school and was considered a possible first-round draft pick. However, the cardiac arrest, caused by a congenital heart defect, interrupted his progress.
After undergoing surgery to correct the defect, he was cleared to play for the Trojans. During his freshman season in 2023-24, he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, shooting 36.6% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc across 25 games.
Earlier reports indicated that multiple teams, including the Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and San Antonio Spurs, showed interest in drafting James. However, he reportedly only participated in workouts for the Suns and Lakers.
Going with the Los Angeles Lakers
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, representing both father and son, emphasized that finding the right team for Bronny James' development was more crucial than his draft position. ESPN reported that Paul went as far as suggesting Bronny might play in Australia and urged specific unnamed teams not to select him.
The NBA's first-ever two-day draft took place at Brooklyn's Barclays Center for Wednesday's first round and at an ESPN studio in Manhattan for Thursday's second round.
Bronny James initially made waves as a freshman at Sierra Canyon School near Los Angeles, later rising to prominence as a four-star recruit and one of the top earners in name, image, and likeness (NIL) endorsements, fueled by his fame and extensive social media presence.
LeBron James has consistently attended his son’s games at USC, high school, and AAU tournaments in recent years, and it’s only a matter of time until they share the court together.
LeBron James Sr.'s decision
As for LeBron, he faces a decision deadline over the weekend to notify the Los Angeles Lakers whether he will continue under his current contract or opt out. Should he choose to opt out, he still retains the option to return to the Lakers.
James has a $54.1 million player option for the 2024-25 season as part of his contract with the Lakers, and he must make a decision on whether to exercise it by Saturday. The 21-year NBA veteran is said to be pursuing a multiyear extension with the Lakers which coincides with the recent hiring of JJ Redick, who is not only James's podcast co-host but also the team's new coach.
“In the history of the NBA, there's never been a father and a son that have shared an NBA basketball court and that feels like something that could be magical,” said Rob Pelinka, Lakers general manager.
“We know, and have to respect of course, that LeBron has a decision on his opt-out … but if it worked out that he was on our team next season, NBA history could be made. And NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform,” he continued.
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