LeBron and Bronny James are set to play together as team members for the Lakers. LeBron James has been in the league for 21 years, enough time for his son to grow up and show his worth as a player. None of the 29 other teams selected Bronny in the 2024 NBA draft. Whether their decision not to pick Bronny was an unspoken pledge or something more, it meant the Los Angeles Lakers could pick LeBron’s son.
An unprecedented Lakers duo
Looking at a photo of LeBron holding Bronny as a toddler makes it hard to imagine the two ever playing together in the NBA. It will certainly be heartwarming to see the father and son both wearing the Lakers uniform and in action on the court. LeBron has many unprecedented feats in basketball but this one is very personal. Several other fathers have seen their sons enter the league, and many brothers play in it together, but this is the first time when father and son will play simultaneously on the same team.
The popularity of the NBA is unquestionable, and the Lakers are an undeniable part of its success. It is one of the most popular NBA teams. The team has a great history and a global fanbase. The Lakers have a record of 20-14 versus the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA finals. The 76ers have been three-time NBA Championship winners and Pennsylvania’s sports betting shows the fans enthusiasm for the sport.
Bronny’s basketball history
Bronny, now 19 years old, was a successful high school guard but didn’t have a straightforward path to where he is now. When he went to USC, he suffered a cardiac arrest and had to undergo a battery of medical tests. His college season was affected by his heart surgery and his performance wasn’t stellar. He decided to leave early for the Draft. He wasn’t considered as a first-round talent due to his unimpressive season at USC. The Lakers selected him with the 55th overall pick in the 2nd round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
LeBron looks forward to playing with his son
It was fortuitous that the elder James recently signed again with the Lakers and that Bronny was drafted into the team. LeBron also began his NBA career at the age of 19. The four-time NBA Champion and four-time MVP reportedly signed with the Lakers for over $100 million. His maximum salary has been even more than this at times. LeBron is looking forward to being on the floor with his son.
Bronny’s first NBA deal will see him making a reported $7.9 million across four years. He can’t be traded until December 15, 2025. LeBron is emotional that his son’s dream is coming true and said the family would never forget the moment when he realized he’d been drafted. He says that his son isn’t affected by what other people think.
Most second-round picks spend time in the NBA G league. However, at some point in the next season, the inevitable will happen. According to Lakers GM, Rob Pelinka, Bronny has the qualities they look for in drafting players. Scouts believe the 6-foot-two player has exemplary basketball IQ skills even if his jump shot isn’t consistent yet. At his age, he is still early in his basketball development and his shooting is improving.
NBA seasons and global events
The NBA’s regular season runs from October to April. Playoffs extend into June and culminate with the NBA finals.
For USA basketball, the road to the Olympics in Paris started with a win. It has beaten Canada in an exhibition opener. The global soccer season is currently underway, and soccer teams are busy with the recent Euro Cup 2024. Teams are currently battling for a place in the knockout rounds.
NBA Finals
NBA Finals are often full of iconic moments for teams like the Lakers and also for new powerhouses like the Miami Heat. When looking at basketball champions by year, the Celtics and the Lakers are tied for the most NBA titles. They each have 17 titles and Golden State Warriors are next with 7 titles. LeBron believes that the Lakers have it in them to continue to win.
