Bronny and LeBron James are on the brink of creating sports history. The Los Angeles Lakers selected LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny, as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Should both take the court in the upcoming season, it will mark an unprecedented moment in NBA history—a father-son duo playing together for the first time in the league.
This remarkable event recalls other notable father-son pairs across professional sports who have shared the field, court, or ice—each writing their unique chapter in the annals of sports history. For instance, Ted and Charlie Nesser are the only father-son duo in NFL history to have played on the same team. Suiting up for the Columbus Panhandles, they faced the Akron World's Champions on September 25, 1921. The Panhandles eventually disbanded and rebranded as the Columbus Tigers, a team existing until 1926. Interestingly, the Nesser family boasted six brothers—John, Paul, Phil, Ted, Frank, and Al—who played for the Panhandles at various points in the early 20th century.
In the realm of ice hockey, Gordie Howe, often referred to as "Mr. Hockey," played alongside his sons Mark and Marty Howe for the NHL's Hartford Whalers. Gordie made a celebrated return to the ice to join his sons in the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros in 1973. Their synergy extended into the NHL during the 1979-80 season with the Whalers. During that remarkable season, Gordie contributed 15 goals and 26 assists to the team’s efforts. The Howes’ journey from the WHA to the NHL was a testament to their shared love for the game and familial bond.
Baseball has also witnessed remarkable father-son moments on the field. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played together for the Seattle Mariners between 1990 and 1991. Notably, they hit back-to-back home runs on September 14, 1990—a rare and memorable feat. Ken Griffey Jr. showcased his burgeoning talent in the 1990 season by scoring 91 runs, hitting 22 homers, and maintaining a .300 batting average. Similarly, Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. shared the outfield for the Baltimore Orioles during the latter part of the 2001 season, taking positions in left and center field respectively on October 4, 2001.
Bronny and LeBron James now stand to join the illustrious list of father-son duos in the NBA, further enriching the league's history. The NBA has witnessed several notable father-son pairs over the years, including Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and the Curry family trio of Dell, Steph, and Seth Curry. Each of these pairs has brought a unique dynamic to the game, continuing family legacies while forging their paths.
As Bronny prepares to step onto the court alongside his legendary father, the basketball world watches in anticipation. The possibility of witnessing LeBron's storied career intersect with his son's fledgling journey offers a new narrative filled with promise and legacy. Whether they achieve unprecedented success or simply share memorable moments, their pairing symbolizes the ever-evolving tapestry of sports history, where the past and future converge in the present.