LeBron and Bronny James make NBA history as first ever father-son duo

LeBron James and his son Bronny have etched their names into the NBA record books with a feat never seen in the league before.

James McKern

@jLmcKern

4 min read

June 28, 2024 - 9:55AM

LeBron James and Bronny have made NBA history.

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The 2024 NBA Draft is in the books and history has been rewritten during the second round.

Bronny James entered the Draft after garnering arguably the most hype of any prospect and on Friday (AEST) he heard his name read out.

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The 19-year-old star will become one half of the first ever father-son duo to play in the NBA, as he joins his megastar father LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers.

It was widely expected the Lakers would select Bronny with their final pick in the second round and it came true with the USC player becoming the 55th pick in the draft.

While it was Bronny’s name that stole the limelight during the second day coverage, emerging Australian star Johnny Furphy was snapped up with the 35th pick and will now join the Indiana Pacers after suffering a first round nightmare.

9am - Emotional moment after Bronny’s heart issues

Bronny James’ NBA future was almost wiped away in 2023 when the youngster suffered cardiac arrest in July.

The scary moment rocked the family, but Bronny bounced back and returned to the hardwood with USC in January.

Then on Friday night his dreams became reality when he received a call from Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka informing him he was joining the organisation.

The James family was out for dinner in New York City when the call came through with LeBron reportedly getting choked up when praising his son’s journey.

“When they got the call, LeBron had a champagne toast to everyone in attendance,” Dave McMenamin reported on ESPN.

“I’m told he got very emotional in considering the weight of the moment, not just the history for the NBA but the journey for Bronny James.

“It was less than a year ago when he suffered that cardiac incident, that was a very touch and go time for the James family.

“Now here they are together having one of the most joyous days they’ve ever experienced with Bronny completing his goal of making it to the NBA.”

The journey continues. Welcome to the big stage, Bronny. pic.twitter.com/XaueRuN78B
— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) June 27, 2024

8.05am - LeBron, Bronny make NBA history

With the 55th pick the Los Angeles Lakers have selected Bronny James and in the process the father-son duo have entered the record books.

For the first time ever in the NBA a father and son will be in the league at the same time, making it even more special ... they’ll be on the same team.

Moments after the news came to light photos of the duo were shared across social media. One showed LeBron holding his oldest son to his chest as he celebrated winning the Eastern Conference Finals with the Cleveland Cavaliers ... in 2007.

Bronny and LeBron in 2007.

The two will now be teammates in LA.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin shared one image showing the duo playing one-on-one inside Cleveland’s facilities with Bronny trying to guard his dad.

NBA stars were quick to hit social media in praise of the historic moment.

Zach Lavine wrote: “Imagine being able to play with your son! This is historic, having 2 boys my self I couldn’t image how that would feel.”

Atlanta’s Dejounte Murray wrote: “BRON Getting To See His Son In The Same Jersey As Him Gotta Be The Biggest FLEX. Shoutout BRONNY!!!!!”

NBA legend Magic Johnson wrote: “Congratulations to Bronny James on being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers! Watching Bronny suit up for the @Lakers during Summer League in Vegas will be must-see TV!”

Now teammates ðŸ¤£ ðŸ’€ pic.twitter.com/XBrXFt8hbT
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) June 27, 2024

Teammates. pic.twitter.com/PCvi59q3vc
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 27, 2024

The moment Bronny James heard his name called ðŸ™â¤ï¸ pic.twitter.com/Sn5Mv5XWUc
— Hoops Nation (@_HoopsNation) June 27, 2024

7.45am - ‘Going to Australia’: Agent’s Bronny threat

The message to other teams selecting ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers is clear ... don’t even think about it.

Former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers revealed on ESPN’s Draft coverage that Paul had reportedly been on the phone to rival teams and threatened them not to even consider trying to swoop in and draft Bronny.

“Rich Paul is calling teams, don’t take Bronny James ... if you take him, he’s going to Australia. So he has a plan and he has a place,” Bob Myers said on ESPN.

In a follow-up segment, Myers said, “I think we can all imagine what the goal is for Rich Paul in that situation. There’s a difference between hoping that happens and making sure that happens.”

He added that the message to teams picking ahead of the Lakers is effectively: “If you’re thinking about it, don’t do it.”

Bronny didn’t set the world on fire in his first college season. (Photo by David Becker / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)

7.30am - Lakers star on board with Bronny pick

Bronny had one underwhelming season at USC, averaging 4.8 points per game in 25 contests.

LeBron was sentimental on the morning of Day 1 on social media as his son hoped to kick off his NBA career.

“Not a feeling in the f***ng world better than being around raising my boys to MEN!,” LeBron wrote on Instagram. “Pops over here getting emotional as hell just thinking about yall journey so far!

“Thank you both for allowing me to be your DAD and be apart of your compass through life’s trials and tribulations!”

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported the Lakers will take Bronny if he is available at pick 55 and that fellow Lakers star Anthony Davis is on board with the selection.

Bronny and LeBron. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)

7am - Melbourne teenager joins the NBA ranks

Australian teen sensation Johnny Furphy, 19, finally heard his name called out after he missed out on a first-round selection despite being invited into the NBA’s green room.

Furphy was tipped to go anywhere from as high as pick nine with Memphis to pick 27 with Minnesota before he was ultimately selected with the 35th pick.

He’ll now head to Indiana to join the Pacers who are coming off a stellar 2023/24 season that saw them make a deep playoff push.