The James family is on the brink of making NBA history as LeBron James's eldest son, Bronny, was selected as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. This selection paves the way for a father-son duo to potentially step on the court together in the upcoming season, an unprecedented event in the NBA’s storied history.
In professional sports, father-son pairings are rare and celebrated when they occur. The NFL saw Ted and Charlie Nesser play together for the Columbus Panhandles back on September 25, 1921, marking a historic moment. The Panhandles, who later became the Columbus Tigers, are also notable for the Nessers' contribution, with six brothers—John, Paul, Phil, Ted, Frank, and Al—having played for the team at various points in the early 20th century.
Hockey also has its share of remarkable family moments. Legendary NHL player Gordie Howe made headlines by playing alongside his sons, Mark and Marty Howe. Their journey began in the Ontario Hockey League with the Toronto Marlboros during the 1972-73 season. Gordie Howe’s return to professional hockey in 1973 to join his sons in the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros is a testament to his enduring skill and dedication. The Howe family then transitioned to the NHL’s Hartford Whalers in the 1979-80 season, with Gordie Howe contributing 15 goals and 26 assists that season. Mark Howe’s career also mirrored his father's success, scoring his first professional goal exactly 27 years after Gordie’s inaugural goal with the Detroit Red Wings.
Baseball has seen memorable father-son duos as well. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. shared the field for the Seattle Mariners from 1990 to 1991, creating iconic moments, including hitting back-to-back home runs on September 14, 1990. Ken Griffey Jr. had a stellar season in 1990, with 91 runs, 22 homers, and a .300 batting average, showcasing the remarkable talent running in the family.
Another notable pairing in baseball occurred with Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. The Raines duo played together for the Baltimore Orioles in the later part of the 2001 season, sharing the outfield on October 4, 2001. Tim Raines Sr. held the left field position, while Tim Raines Jr. played in center field, adding another chapter to the narrative of familial bonds in sports.
In the context of the NBA, while no father-son duo has played simultaneously, the league has seen its share of familial legacies. Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and the Currys—Dell, Steph, and Seth—highlight the trend of basketball talent running through generations.
LeBron and Bronny James’s potential collaboration on the professional court represents more than just a personal achievement; it underscores the broader narrative of family legacies and the unique bonds forged in professional sports. This moment, if realized, will join the annals of historic sports achievements, celebrated not only for its rarity but for the emotional and inspirational undertones it carries.