Bronny James, 19-year-old son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, was selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the second round of the NBA draft on Thursday. Establishing the first father-son combination in NBA history.
It’s a dream come true for four-time NBA Most Valuable Player James, who said he’s dreamed of playing with his son for years.
“In the storied history of the NBA (National Basketball Association), there has never been a father and son who have shared an NBA basketball court,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said. “It feels like something that can be magical.”
LeBron, the 39-year-old Lakers playmaker, and four-time NBA champion, will be busy with Team USA at the Paris Olympics next month, while son Bronny will join the Lakers in the NBA Summer League games in Las Vegas.
LeBron James posted the photos on Instagram with only a one-word caption “LEGACY!!!!!!” And photos of himself with his superstar dad Bronny James as a child, both of them dunking and another of father and son in Lakers jerseys.
Bronny James, a guard at the University of Southern California, averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the Trojans last season after a stellar high school career and also impressed scouts at the NBA Combine.
In a practice session last July, USC freshman James collapsed after suffering a heart attack caused by a congenital heart defect.
The teenager was released from the hospital a few days later and doctors cleared him last month to play in both American college basketball and the NBA.
“Congrats to Bronny James on getting drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers!” said Lakers legend Magic Johnson. “This is a historic moment…seeing Bronny suit up for the @lakers during Summer League in Vegas will be must-see TV!”
The younger James is viewed as a top defensive prospect with elite athletic skills and strong instincts for the game but may need time to fully develop as an NBA player.
“We’re excited for the story to come out,” said Pelinka, who said new Lakers coach JJ Redick is already planning how to improve Bronny.
“We are proud to have him in the program,” Pelinka said. “Coach Reddick is already very excited about building a development plan around him to improve his basketball skills and turn him into a player who We believe can inspire and help this franchise.”
LeBron James has until Saturday to opt out of the final year of his Lakers contract or become a free agent, which could set up a new Lakers contract. That status gave him options if Bronny ended up elsewhere in the NBA.
“We know and respect that LeBron has decided to opt out and I’m sure he and his family will decide what they’re going to do there,” said Pelinka.
“If he can prove to be on our team next season, history can be made — and NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform.”
