Bronny James was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA draft, bringing LeBron James closer to his dream of playing alongside his son. The historic father-son duo is set to make NBA history.
Los Angeles, Bollywood Fever: Bronny James was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the NBA draft on Thursday, moving his father LeBron James one step closer to his dream of playing alongside his son.
The 19-year-old Bronny received the news through a phone call from Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka, while his father, LeBron, celebrated with an emotional champagne toast at a New York restaurant, ESPN reported.
Bronny and LeBron are poised to become the first father-son duo to play in the league simultaneously and on the same team. Although Bronny is not expected to log significant minutes in his rookie season, their first appearance together on the NBA court will be a momentous occasion.
“Family business,” the Lakers posted on X, accompanied by old and current pictures of Bronny and LeBron. Bronny also shared a photo of himself in a Lakers jersey on Instagram. Lakers legend Magic Johnson congratulated Bronny, calling his selection with the 55th pick a “historic moment” on X.
LeBron, who was 19 and the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year when Bronny was born in 2004 in Akron, Ohio, has always hoped to play with his son in the NBA. Bronny garnered significant attention as a high school player at Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles, where he played his senior year alongside his younger brother Bryce, a 17-year-old with NBA potential.
Bronny faced a major health scare last summer when he suffered a cardiac arrest while training with the University of Southern California (USC) basketball team. He was placed in intensive care but returned to the team in November, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game as a guard in his lone season with the Trojans.
There was speculation that another team might draft Bronny to lure LeBron or disrupt the Lakers’ plans, but such a move could have provoked Rich Paul, the influential NBA agent who represents both Bronny and LeBron, as well as many top players.
LeBron, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and a four-time champion, will turn 40 in December as he enters the 22nd season of his storied career. The Lakers, who exited the NBA playoffs in the first round in April, face a challenging season in the competitive Western Conference under first-time head coach JJ Redick.
Fans may get their first look at Bronny in action for the Lakers during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas starting on July 12. “Watching Bronny suit up for the Lakers during Summer League in Vegas will be must-see TV!” Magic Johnson wrote on X.
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