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 similar time within the league. This got here true because the Lakers chosen the 19-year-old through the second spherical of the 2024 NBA Draft, taking him with the fifty fifth decide.
The previous USC pupil was gathered along with his household and associates at an intimate feast in New York, and shared his general emotions with an Instagram submit 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 a good time the information. Based on 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 vp of basketball operations and common 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 court docket and that appears like one thing that might be magical.
“We all know, and must respect in fact, that LeBron has a call on his opt-out … but when it labored out that he was on our staff 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 largely as a result of he joined the staff midseason after being sidelines for nearly 5 months as a consequence of his restoration from a cardiac arrest episode.
Nevertheless, the 19-year-old stored impressing and growing his recreation through the offseason, as he noticed his shares enhance through the Draft Mix in Chicago, and proved to be among the finest through the agility drills. The ex-McDonald’s All-American additionally displayed among the finest three-point taking pictures expertise that weekend.
“Bronny is, at the start, an individual of excessive character,” added the Lakers govt. “And second, he’s a younger man that works extremely onerous. These are the qualities we search for in drafting gamers and including to our developmental corps on the Lakers.”
Lakers famous person Anthony Davis accredited of his staff 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 large man Anthony Davis to go forward and choose Bronny James with their fifty fifth decide. Based on the veteran heart, the teen has extra qualities that you simply’d assume.
“He’s superb defensively,” he instructed the press. “He can learn the ground very effectively. I believe he’s a extremely good playmaker. I noticed him work out a pair instances in addition to the [Klutch Sports] professional day and dealing with an enormous — his reads, studying the protection, making the appropriate passes — that was actually spectacular to me. I believe he’s going to be high-quality, man. Clearly it’s a whole lot of stress on him along 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 need 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 may are available and be able to play for us.”
Bronny may get his first likelihood to show himself through the NBA Summer season League, which is ready to begin in two weeks. The Lakers will play their first recreation of the competitors in opposition to the Houston Rockets on July 12 in Las Vegas.
