LeBron and Bronny James simply made NBA historical past this Thursday, as they’re set to develop into 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 through the second spherical of the 2024 NBA Draft, taking him with the fifty fifth choose.
The previous USC pupil was gathered along with his household and buddies at an intimate ceremonial dinner in New York, and shared his total 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 fun the information. In keeping with 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 basic 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 should respect after all, that LeBron has a call on his opt-out … but when it labored out that he was on our group subsequent season, NBA historical past might be made. And NBA historical past needs to be made in a Lakers uniform,” Rob Pelinka stated.
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 group 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 growing his recreation through the offseason, as he noticed his shares enhance through the Draft Mix in Chicago, and proved to be among the best through the agility drills. The ex-McDonald’s All-American additionally displayed among the best three-point taking pictures abilities that weekend.
“Bronny is, at the start, an individual of excessive character,” added the Lakers government. “And second, he’s a younger man that works extremely arduous. These are the qualities we search for in drafting gamers and including to our developmental corps on the Lakers.”
Lakers celebrity Anthony Davis permitted of his group choosing Bronny within the draft, and even named a few of his finest 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 choose. In keeping with the veteran heart, the teenager has extra qualities that you just’d assume.
“He’s superb defensively,” he informed the press. “He can learn the ground very nicely. 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 a giant — his reads, studying the protection, making the best passes — that was actually spectacular to me. I believe he’s going to be fantastic, man. Clearly it’s numerous 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 needs to create his personal path and he doesn’t need to be — regardless that he’s LeBron James’ son, he don’t need be seen as that. And I believe having that mindset and attempting to create his personal path goes to work out for him. … Who is aware of, he would possibly are available in and be able to play for us.”
Bronny would possibly 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 towards the Houston Rockets on July 12 in Las Vegas.
