As anticipation builds for the 2024-25 NBA season opener, basketball fans eagerly await the potential historic debut of LeBron James alongside his son, Bronny, with the Los Angeles Lakers set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. If the father-son duo takes the court together, it would mark a notable parallel in sports history, echoing the memorable moments when Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr. graced MLB fields together.
A Momentous Occasion
Ken Griffey Jr. and his father, Ken Griffey Sr., will be among the spectators for the Lakers' season opener on Tuesday. Reflecting on his own experiences, Griffey Jr. shared his excitement on The Road to Cooperstown podcast, stating, "I'm actually going to the game. I'm going to take my dad. First father and son to play baseball and now first father and son to play basketball. So it's a big deal for my dad and I to be there. We made history, now we get to watch history. That's what's gonna be cool about it."
The Griffeys residing in sports lore from their time together in the MLB is well-earned. Ken Griffey Jr. was the No. 1 pick in the 1987 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners, making his professional debut just two years later at 19. On August 31, 1990, the Griffeys played together for the first time, contributing to a 5-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Their legacy was further cemented when they hit back-to-back home runs against the California Angels on September 14, 1990, a feat that still resonates in the annals of baseball history.
LeBron and Bronny on the Court
The speculation around LeBron and Bronny James playing together in the NBA gained traction after they shared the court during a preseason matchup against the Phoenix Suns on October 6. Although the Lakers faced a setback in that game, Bronny, selected as the 55th pick by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, showed glimpses of his potential. Over six preseason games, he averaged 4.2 points with a shooting percentage of 29.7%, culminating in a standout performance in the Lakers' preseason finale, where he scored 17 points, collected four rebounds, and made three steals.
Despite this promising showing, Lakers coach J.J. Redick has remained tight-lipped on whether the James duo will officially debut together in the opener. He remarked that "nothing has been finalized," a statement that adds to the intrigue and anticipation surrounding the possible father-son debut.
The Weight of Expectations
Both LeBron and Bronny carry the weight of public expectation and familial pride into this potentially historic season. For LeBron James, the prospect of playing alongside his son in the NBA is more than just a professional milestone; it is a deeply personal accomplishment that many sports icons can only dream of.
Sports fans and analysts will undoubtedly have their eyes glued to the Lakers-Timberwolves matchup, yearning to witness what could be a continuation of a narrative that ties generations and sports together. Should both players take to the floor, it could be a moment rivaled by few in the basketball archives, akin to the Griffeys' shared achievements on the diamond.
As the 2024-25 NBA season opens, the possibility of witnessing LeBron and Bronny James both in Lakers jerseys remains a focal point of interest. While their presence together on the court is not yet confirmed, the legacies of family tandems in sports add a profound layer to this unfolding story. Whether Tuesday's game marks the fruition of this narrative or not, the echoes of fathers and sons excelling together in professional sports will continue to captivate fans across the globe. The story of LeBron and Bronny, against the backdrop of the Griffeys, reminds us yet again of the timeless allure of sports legacies.