Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA legend LeBron James, was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. This brings LeBron’s dream of playing alongside his son one step closer to reality.
Bronny James, a guard who played college basketball at the University of Southern California, joins the team his father has been part of since 2018. Despite being picked late in the second round, this selection raises the possibility of an unprecedented father-son duo on the court.
However, there are uncertainties. LeBron James is set to become a free agent next week, giving him the option to leave the Lakers. Furthermore, being drafted doesn’t ensure Bronny will play for the Lakers next season, but it fuels hope for fans.
Historically, around 100 players have followed their fathers into the NBA, but never while their fathers were still active players. LeBron’s remarkable longevity—approaching his 22nd season, tying Vince Carter for the longest NBA career—makes this potential pairing possible.
NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum officially announced the pick, marking a significant moment for the 19-year-old Bronny. Standing 1.85m tall, Bronny is one of the shorter players but is known for his athleticism and defensive skills. Last season at USC, he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, overcoming a congenital heart defect that required surgery after a cardiac arrest during a summer workout.
