The basketball world is on the verge of witnessing a momentous occasion as LeBron James and his eldest son, Bronny James, stand prepared to script a new chapter in NBA history. With the Los Angeles Lakers selecting Bronny as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the potential for the first-ever father-son duo to play together on the same NBA court becomes increasingly real.
Making NBA History
This unprecedented event has captured the imagination of fans and sports analysts alike, who eagerly anticipate seeing one of the game's greatest players team up with his son. The NBA has seen its fair share of father-son pairs both drafted and excel in the league, such as Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and the Curry family with Dell, Steph, and Seth. However, none have yet shared the court as teammates during an official NBA game. The possibility of LeBron and Bronny achieving this milestone stands as a testament to the longevity and talent of LeBron James, who has maintained his status as an elite player well into his late thirties.
Other Sports' Father-Son Duos
The NBA isn't alone in celebrating the achievements of father-son duos. The NFL has its own such narrative, albeit with a historical twist. Ted and Charlie Nesser remain the only father-son pair to have played on the same team, suiting up for the Columbus Panhandles in a game against the Akron World's Champions on September 25, 1921. This memorable match occurred during an era when professional football was still in its infancy, and the Nessers made significant contributions to the team's legacy before the Columbus Panhandles were ultimately disbanded and rebranded as the Columbus Tigers in 1926. The Nesser family legacy is further enriched by the fact that six Nesser brothers — John, Paul, Phil, Ted, Frank, and Al — also took the field for the Panhandles at various times.
An NHL Legend and His Offspring
In the world of hockey, Gordie Howe, revered as one of the sport's greatest players, made headlines for his on-ice accomplishments alongside his sons. Gordie, often referred to as "Mr. Hockey," played with his sons Mark and Marty for the NHL's Hartford Whalers during the 1979-80 season. Their story began earlier when Mark and Marty played for the Toronto Marlboros in the Ontario Hockey League in the 1972-73 season. Gordie came out of retirement to join his sons in the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros in 1973, marking a significant moment in hockey history. Remarkably, Mark Howe scored his first professional goal exactly 27 years after Gordie netted his first with the Detroit Red Wings, weaving a beautiful thread through time in the annals of hockey.
Baseball's Generational Talent
Baseball, America's pastime, cherishes its own father-son narratives, the most notable being Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. The Griffeys made history while playing for the Seattle Mariners from 1990 to 1991. On September 14, 1990, they achieved a remarkable feat by hitting back-to-back home runs, a rare and electrifying spectacle for fans. Ken Griffey Jr.'s 1990 season also saw him score 91 runs, hit 22 home runs, and maintain a .300 batting average, underscoring his phenomenal talent and hinting at the Hall of Fame career that would follow.
A Shared Outfield
Another significant moment in baseball came when Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. shared the outfield for the Baltimore Orioles in the latter part of the 2001 season. On October 4, 2001, the duo featured prominently with Tim Sr. playing left field and Tim Jr. in center field, adding another name to the list of enchanting father-son collaborations in professional sports.
As LeBron and Bronny James prepare for the upcoming NBA season, they carry not just the weight of their own aspirations but the hopes of fans eager to witness history. If they step on the court together, they will add an extraordinary chapter to the rich tapestry of father-son legacies in professional sports, blazing a new trail in the storied realm of the NBA.