The 2024 NBA Draft is now in the books, and history was made during the second round.
Bronny James, who entered the Draft with arguably the most hype of any prospect, heard his name called on Friday (AEST).
With the 55th pick, the Lakers select Bronny James. pic.twitter.com/QseLtHp4tx
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 27, 2024
Now for the first time ever, a father-son duo will play in the NBA simultaneously, and even more special—both will be on the same team.
At 19, Bronny is set to become one half of the first-ever father-son duo to play in the NBA. He joins his megastar father, LeBron James, with the Los Angeles Lakers.
It was widely anticipated that the Lakers would scoop up Bronny with their final pick in the second round, and indeed, the USC player became the 55th pick in the draft.
Congratulations to Bronny James on being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers! This is a historic moment because LeBron and Bronny are the first father-son duo to play in the NBA at the same time and on the same team. Watching Bronny suit up for the @Lakers during Summer League in… pic.twitter.com/jGRbGiD0n6
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 27, 2024
Bronny’s NBA future almost slipped away in 2023 when he suffered cardiac arrest in July. The frightening incident shook the family, but Bronny made a triumphant return to the court with USC in January.
Today, his dreams turned into reality. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka called to inform him that he was joining the organization.
“When they got the call, LeBron had a champagne toast for everyone in attendance,” reported Dave McMenamin on ESPN.
“I’m told he got very emotional, considering the weight of the moment—not just for the NBA’s history but for Bronny’s journey.”
LeBron James and Bronny James become the first father and son duo to be in the NBA at the same time.
— NBA (@NBA) June 27, 2024
Now they are teammates on the Lakers! pic.twitter.com/dITQ4WQ9RA
Less than a year ago, Bronny’s cardiac incident brought a terrifying and uncertain time for the James family. Now, they are celebrating one of the most joyous days they’ve ever experienced as Bronny achieves his goal of making it to the NBA.
