It’s official — LeBron James will play with his son Bronny James on the same team! On Thursday night, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny as the 55th pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft. It is a proud moment for the James family, who have created history with this achievement. This is the first time in NBA history that a father-son duo will play at the same time. LeBron has dreamed of playing on the same team as his first son, Bronny. With the Lakers selecting Bronny, that dream is now a reality.
Many NBA enthusiasts had pondered the possibility of Bronny being selected in the NBA draft. Some believed he wasn’t good enough to play in the NBA, while others felt he could make his mark. There were also claims that LeBron would use his influence to ensure his son was selected in the NBA. However, despite the noise, Bronny kept his head down and focused on improving his gameplay and skillset. One would not have expected less from a LeBron James offspring. All that hard work paid off on Thursday night, June 27, 2024, when LeBron’s team, the LA Lakers, selected Bronny as the 55th pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft held at ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in Manhattan.
At this time, LeBron has yet to comment officially on his son’s selection. However, sources told ESPN that the James family were gathered at an intimate dinner party in New York when Bronny was selected. The dinner attendees include LeBron’s mom, Gloria, his wife, Savannah, and Bronny’s closest friends. After the Lakers selected Bronny, LeBron reportedly toasted his son’s success. Insiders further revealed that the proud dad became emotional as he savored the moment.
Following his selection by the Lakers, Bronny would now get ready for the 2024/2025 NBA season. The 19-year-old averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game during his only season at USC, which he joined midseason. Bronny had missed almost five months of action as he spent time recovering from surgery after suffering a cardiac arrest in July 2023. Bronny has continued improving his game and will look to do even better when action begins.
After selecting Bronny, the Los Angeles Lakers will now hope LeBron opts into the final year of his contract. That is bound to happen, considering their star man has always wanted to play with his son. The Lakers recently announced JJ Redick as its new coach and will hope to retain LeBron to make the transition period easier for Redick. With LeBron set to stay, the Lakers will now look to add more pieces to enable them to have a formidable roster next season.
What Next for LeBron James?
People keep asking when LeBron James will retire. However, with every passing day, it seems he is not doing so anytime soon. It is now certain LeBron will play with Bronny. Still, we shouldn’t forget that he has also spoken of his desire to play with his second son, Bryce, in the NBA. If that is to happen, the 39-year-old would have to play until he is 41.
At 39, LeBron is still doing exceptionally well. Last season, he averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds in 71 games. That is a number many players in their prime would dream of having. It all points to the greatness of the King. He would now set his sights on getting ready for next season and showing his son how to carve a name for himself in the NBA. That said, NBA and Lakers fans should look forward to seeing LeBron James and Bronny light up the courts next season. Who knows, they could even win a championship together. The countdown to the 2024/2025 NBA Season now well and truly begins!
