LeBron and Bronny James Set to Make NBA History
LeBron James and his eldest son, Bronny, are on the brink of creating an unforgettable chapter in NBA history. The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines by selecting Bronny as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Should both take to the court in the upcoming season, they would become the first father-son duo to play together in the league—an event that promises to captivate basketball fans around the world.
This momentous achievement is unprecedented in the NBA but reminds us that other sports have seen similar father-son partnerships. One such iconic duo in the world of football was Ted and Charlie Nesser, the only father-son pair to play on the same NFL team. They made history on September 25, 1921, when they played for the Columbus Panhandles against the Akron World's Champions. The Panhandles, a team rich in familial ties, also fielded six Nesser brothers—John, Paul, Phil, Ted, Frank, and Al—over the early 20th century. The Panhandles were eventually disbanded and rebranded as the Columbus Tigers, a team that folded in 1926.
The NHL also boasts its own legendary father-son combination with Gordie Howe and his sons, Mark and Marty. Gordie Howe made a remarkable return to hockey to join his sons in the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros in 1973. The family later moved to the NHL's Hartford Whalers during the 1979-80 season, where Gordie stunned fans by contributing 15 goals and 26 assists. Mark Howe memorably scored his first professional goal exactly 27 years after his father's first score with the Detroit Red Wings.
Baseball, too, has celebrated father-son partnerships. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. teamed up for the Seattle Mariners from 1990 to 1991. The Griffeys delivered one of baseball’s most memorable moments on September 14, 1990, when they hit back-to-back home runs. During the 1990 season, Ken Griffey Jr. distinguished himself with an impressive 91 runs, 22 homers, and a .300 batting average. Another notable pair in baseball history is Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr., who shared the outfield for the Baltimore Orioles in the latter part of the 2001 season, specifically showcasing their talents on October 4, 2001, with Tim Sr. in left field and Tim Jr. in center.
Looking at basketball specifically, LeBron and Bronny James are set to join a list of impactful NBA father-son duos. Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and the Curry family—Dell, Steph, and Seth—are prominent examples of father-son pairs who have left their mark on the league. Each of these combinations has brought its unique flair and talent, profoundly influencing the game.
The anticipation surrounding LeBron and Bronny’s potential on-court partnership is growing, and for good reason. LeBron’s storied career is well-documented, with four NBA championships and countless accolades. Bronny, although still forging his own path, shows promise and skill that could match, if not complement, his father’s legacy. The opportunity for fans to witness such a pairing is rare and historic, weaving together threads of legacy, talent, and family connection in a way that transcends the sport itself.