Bronny and LeBron James are on the cusp of making sports history, with the Los Angeles Lakers selecting LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny, as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Should they both take the court in the upcoming season, it would mark the first time a father-son duo has played together in the NBA, adding another layer to LeBron's already illustrious career.
A Historic First for the NBA
This event, unprecedented in the NBA, aligns the James family with a rare fraternity across major American sports leagues that have witnessed father-son tandems sharing the field. Notable examples include Ted and Charlie Nesser in the NFL, Gordie Howe and his sons in the NHL, and Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. in the MLB.
The Nesser Legacy in the NFL
In the annals of the NFL, Ted Nesser and his son, Charlie, remain the league's sole father-son duo to have played on the same team. Their unique moment together occurred on September 25, 1921, when they took the field for the Columbus Panhandles against the Akron World's Champions. This match was historic, not only for the family connection but for being part of the Panhandles' final professional season before being disbanded and rebranded as the Columbus Tigers, lasting until 1926.
The Nessers held a significant place in NFL history with six brothers – John, Paul, Phil, Ted, Frank, and Al – all playing for the Panhandles at various times in the early 20th century. The combination of 5-foot-10 center Ted and his 19-year-old, 6-foot-2 tailback son Charlie represents a touchstone for familial bonds in professional football.
The Howe Family in Hockey
Gordie Howe, often regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, expanded his legacy by playing alongside his sons Mark and Marty for the NHL's Hartford Whalers. Prior to their stint in the NHL, Mark and Marty played together for the Toronto Marlboros in the Ontario Hockey League during the 1972-73 season. Mark's stellar performance, leading the team to the Memorial Cup Championship with 38 goals and 66 assists, highlighted his budding prowess.
Gordie Howe, who had initially retired, made a remarkable return to the sport to join his sons in the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros in 1973. Mark's first professional goal, scored exactly 27 years after his father's first goal with the Detroit Red Wings, served as a milestone for the Howe family. The trio’s transition to the NHL's Hartford Whalers in the 1979-80 season saw Gordie, in his final year, contribute impressively with 15 goals and 26 assists.
Baseball's Memorable Duos
The baseball diamond has also witnessed its share of father-son history. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. notably played for the Seattle Mariners from 1990 to 1991. Their tenure together became iconic on September 14, 1990, when they achieved the rare feat of hitting back-to-back home runs against the California Angels. Griffey Jr.'s outstanding season, marked by 91 runs, 22 homers, and a .300 batting average, underscored his burgeoning talent under the simultaneous spotlight shared with his father.
Similarly, Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. shared the outfield for the Baltimore Orioles in the latter part of the 2001 season. Their first game together, on October 4, saw Tim Sr. in left field and Tim Jr. in center field, adding another chapter to the narrative of familial teamwork in professional sports.
The NBA's Father-Son Draft Legacy
LeBron and Bronny James are set to join an esteemed list of father-son duos who have both been drafted into the NBA. This includes notable pairs such as Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and the multi-generational talents of the Curry family with Dell, Steph, and Seth. The anticipation surrounding LeBron and Bronny not only centers on the potential for historical significance but also on the continuation of a legacy steeped in basketball excellence.
The eyes of the sports world are now fixed on the upcoming NBA season, where the potential of the James family taking the court together promises to add an exciting chapter to the ever-evolving story of the league. Whether for the historical novelty or the sheer athletic prowess, the prospect of LeBron and Bronny sharing the floor has captivated the imagination of basketball fans worldwide.