New York: Bronnie James, the 19-year-old son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, was selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the second round of the NBA Draft on Thursday, becoming the first father-son combination in NBA history.
This is a dream come true for James, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, who said he had dreamed of playing with his son for many years.
“Never before in NBA history have fathers and sons shared an NBA basketball court,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said. “It feels like magic.”
LeBron, the 39-year-old Lakers star and four-time NBA champion, will train for Team USA at the Paris Olympics next month, while his son Bronny will join the Lakers for NBA Summer League games in Las Vegas.
“Welcome to Bronnie James being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers!” Lakers legend Jady Johnson said. “This is a historic moment, as LeBron and Bronny are the first father-son duo to play in the NBA at the same time in the same team. Bronny’s suit during the Summer League in Vegas will be a must-see. TV!”
University of Southern California guard Bronnie James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the Trojans last season after a high school career and impressed scouts at the NBA combine.
During a training session last July, USC student James suffered a heart attack due to a congenital heart defect.
The teenager was released from the hospital a few days later and doctors cleared him to play in US college basketball and last month in the NBA.
James Jr. is seen as a top defensive prospect with elite athletic skills and strong instincts for the game, but he may need time to fully develop as an NBA player.
“We’re excited to get the story out there,” said Pelinka, who talked about how new Lakers coach JJ Redick plans to make Bronn better.
“It is an honor for us to add him to our program,” Pelinka said. Coach Redick has been excited to develop a development plan to improve his basketball skills and become a player that can impact and help this franchise. “
