LeBron and Bronny James simply made NBA historical past this Thursday, as they’re set to change into 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 throughout 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 ceremonial dinner in New York, and shared his total emotions with an Instagram publish that learn: “Past blessed.”
After the purple and gold delivered their choice, the four-time NBA champion led the group with a champagne toast to have a good time the information. In accordance 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 vp of basketball operations and normal 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 appears like one thing that might be magical.
“We all know, and should respect in fact, that LeBron has a choice 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 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 pair 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 attributable to his restoration from a cardiac arrest episode.
Nonetheless, the 19-year-old saved impressing and growing his sport throughout the offseason, as he noticed his shares enhance throughout the Draft Mix in Chicago, and proved to be probably the greatest throughout the agility drills. The ex-McDonald’s All-American additionally displayed probably the greatest three-point taking pictures abilities that weekend.
“Bronny is, firstly, an individual of excessive character,” added the Lakers govt. “And second, he’s a younger man that works extremely laborious. These are the qualities we search for in drafting gamers and including to our developmental corps on the Lakers.”
Lakers famous person Anthony Davis permitted of his group 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 massive man Anthony Davis to go forward and choose Bronny James with their fifty fifth decide. In accordance with the veteran middle, the teen has extra qualities that you simply’d suppose.
“He’s superb defensively,” he instructed the press. “He can learn the ground very nicely. I believe he’s a extremely 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 appropriate passes — that was actually spectacular to me. I believe he’s going to be superb, man. Clearly it’s quite a lot of strain 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 wish to be — though 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 probability to show himself throughout the NBA Summer season League, which is ready to start out in two weeks. The Lakers will play their first sport of the competitors towards the Houston Rockets on July 12 in Las Vegas.