LeBron and Bronny James simply made NBA historical past this Thursday, as they’re set to grow to be the first-ever father and son duo to compete collectively on the identical time within the league. This got here true because the Lakers chosen the 19-year-old throughout the second spherical of the 2024 NBA Draft, taking him with the fifty fifth decide.
The previous USC pupil was gathered together with his household and pals at an intimate ceremonial dinner in New York, and shared his total emotions with an Instagram put up that learn: “Past blessed.”
After the purple and gold delivered their resolution, the four-time NBA champion led the group with a champagne toast to have fun the information. In response to sources near the press, LeBron was “very emotional” throughout his speech as he weighed in on the significance of what had simply occurred.
The journey continues. Welcome to the massive stage, Bronny. pic.twitter.com/XaueRuN78B
— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) June 27, 2024
Lakers vice chairman of basketball operations and normal supervisor knew how transcendental this was. “Within the historical past of the NBA, there’s by no means been a father and a son which have shared an NBA basketball courtroom and that seems like one thing that might be magical.
“We all know, and must respect after all, that LeBron has a call on his opt-out … but when it labored out that he was on our workforce subsequent season, NBA historical past might be made. And NBA historical past must be made in a Lakers uniform,” Rob Pelinka mentioned.
The soon-to-be rookie averaged solely 4.8 factors, 2.8 rebounds and a couple of.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per match throughout his lone season with the Trojans, however principally as a result of he joined the workforce midseason after being sidelines for nearly 5 months as a consequence of his restoration from a cardiac arrest episode.
Nonetheless, the 19-year-old saved impressing and creating his sport throughout the offseason, as he noticed his shares enhance throughout the Draft Mix in Chicago, and proved to be the most effective throughout the agility drills. The ex-McDonald’s All-American additionally displayed the most effective three-point capturing expertise that weekend.
“Bronny is, firstly, an individual of excessive character,” added the Lakers govt. “And second, he’s a younger man that works extremely laborious. These are the qualities we search for in drafting gamers and including to our developmental corps on the Lakers.”
Lakers famous person Anthony Davis authorized of his workforce choosing Bronny within the draft, and even named a few of his greatest qualities
Proper earlier than Thursday’s second spherical of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles membership already counted with the blessing of All-Star huge man Anthony Davis to go forward and choose Bronny James with their fifty fifth decide. In response to the veteran middle, the teenager has extra qualities that you simply’d suppose.
“He’s superb defensively,” he instructed the press. “He can learn the ground very properly. I believe he’s a very good playmaker. I noticed him work out a pair occasions moreover the [Klutch Sports] professional day and dealing with an enormous — his reads, studying the protection, making the correct passes — that was actually spectacular to me. I believe he’s going to be advantageous, man. Clearly it’s loads of strain on him together with his dad being who he’s.
“However one factor about Bronny, from what I’ve seen and what I heard, he desires to create his personal path and he doesn’t wish to be — although he’s LeBron James’ son, he don’t need be seen as that. And I believe having that mindset and making an attempt to create his personal path goes to work out for him. … Who is aware of, he would possibly are available and be able to play for us.”
Bronny would possibly get his first likelihood to show himself throughout the NBA Summer time League, which is about to begin in two weeks. The Lakers will play their first sport of the competitors in opposition to the Houston Rockets on July 12 in Las Vegas.
