Last year’s NBA Draft set the stage for a momentous event as LeBron James was joined by his eldest son, Bronny, in what promises to be an unprecedented chapter in sports history. The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, opening the door to an event unseen in NBA history—a father-son duo sharing the court in the same season.
Should both don the Lakers' purple and gold in the upcoming season, not only would it be a testament to LeBron’s enduring excellence and Bronny's budding career, but it would also etch their names in the annals of NBA lore as the first father and son to play together in the league.
NFL’s Historic Precedent
While the NBA waits for this potential milestone, the NFL has its lone father-son duo who achieved a similar feat nearly a century ago. Ted and Charlie Nesser played side by side for the Columbus Panhandles against the Akron World’s Champions on September 25, 1921. The Panhandles, a team that eventually rebranded to the Columbus Tigers before disbanding in 1926, also featured an array of talent from the Nesser family. Ted and Charlie were among six brothers—John, Paul, Phil, Ted, Frank, and Al—who suited up for the team at various times in the early 20th century, making the Neser family a significant part of NFL history.
A Hockey Family’s Achievement
In the realm of hockey, Gordie Howe achieved legendary status not only by his individual accomplishments but by sharing the ice with his sons, Mark and Marty. Gordie made a highly publicized return to professional hockey to join his sons with the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros in 1973. This familial bond carried into the NHL when the trio transitioned to the Hartford Whalers for the 1979-80 season. Gordie, the patriarch of the hockey-playing Howe family, managed to contribute 15 goals and 26 assists even in his twilight years, underscoring the remarkable durability and talent that spanned generations. Adding to the family’s lore, Mark scored his first professional goal exactly 27 years to the day after Gordie netted his first with the Detroit Red Wings.
Baseball’s Father-Son Dynamic
Baseball too boasts notable examples of father-son collaborations, highlighted by Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. The Griffeys etched their names into MLB history while playing for the Seattle Mariners from 1990 to 1991. Their time together includes a memorable highlight when they hit back-to-back home runs on September 14, 1990. Beyond this moment of shared glory, Ken Griffey Jr. shined throughout the 1990 season, scoring 91 runs, hitting 22 home runs, and boasting a .300 batting average. This harmonious partnership showcased the infectious blend of seasoned experience and youthful exuberance.
Another noteworthy father-son partnership took place in the MLB with Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. The duo shared the outfield for the Baltimore Orioles during the latter part of the 2001 season. On October 4, 2001, Tim Raines Sr. played left field while his son patrolled center field, marking a unique moment in baseball history.
A Growing Legacy in the NBA
As LeBron and Bronny James stand on the brink of rewriting the NBA's historical record, they join an illustrious list of father-son duos who have both been drafted into the league. Some of the notable pairs include Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and the Curry family consisting of Dell, Steph, and Seth. These families have contributed significantly to the sport, showcasing a generational love for basketball and remarkable athletic prowess.
The anticipation surrounding LeBron and Bronny's potential on-court collaboration is palpable. As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see if they can not only make history but also add a new chapter to the rich tapestry of sports legacies built on family bonds.