Kristian Ferrell
Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, is set to make history as the first player to be drafted into the NBA while his father is an active player. The younger James, who played 25 games with the USC Trojans in 2023-24, was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 55th pick in the 2024 draft. Bronny's father, LeBron, has expressed his desire to play with his son, signing an extension with the Lakers and stating that playing with his son would be his greatest accomplishment. With Bronny signing a four-year, $7.9 million deal with the Lakers, the upcoming season will mark the first time an active father-son duo will share the court in the NBA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Bronny James |
| Father's Name | LeBron James |
| Father's Profession | Basketball Player |
| Height | 6-foot-2 |
| Position | Point Guard |
| College Team | USC Trojans |
| Games Played in College | 25 |
| Total Points Scored in College | 121 |
| Average Points Scored in College | 4.8 |
| Average Rebounds in College | 2.8 |
| Average Assists in College | 2.1 |
| Field Goal Percentage in College | Under 37% |
| Draft Pick | 55th Overall |
| Contract | 4-Year $7.9 Million |
| Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
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What You'll Learn
Will LeBron James play with his son?
LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, made history as the NBA's first father-son duo to play together. On 23 October 2024, the Lakers duo checked in together late in the second quarter, receiving a standing ovation from the home crowd.
LeBron had long hinted at his dream to play alongside his son, even saying he would spend his final season playing with Bronny in 2022 when the latter was a high school junior. Bronny's path to the NBA was challenging due to a congenital heart defect and limited playing time during his single season of college basketball at Southern California. Despite these setbacks, the Lakers selected him as the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft, signing him to a four-year, $7.9 million contract.
However, as of November 2024, it was reported that LeBron James will no longer play with Bronny on the Lakers, with the latter joining the ranks of South Bay, the team's G League development league affiliate. This decision was made to provide Bronny with more playing time and opportunities to improve his game.
While the exact timeframe of their time playing together is unclear, LeBron James and his son, Bronny, did achieve the remarkable feat of becoming the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the league.
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Bronny James' NBA draft
Bronny James, the eldest son of basketball legend LeBron James, is an aspiring basketball player himself. He has been a highly touted recruit, even playing for Sierra Canyon School in Southern California. However, his career faced a setback when he suffered a cardiac arrest during a practice session, which was caused by a congenital heart defect.
Despite this health scare, Bronny has continued to pursue his basketball career and improve his draft stock. In the 2024 NBA Draft, he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 55th overall pick. This decision was controversial, with critics claiming that it was a case of nepotism due to his father's influence.
Leading up to the draft, there was much speculation about which team would select Bronny. The Lakers were always considered the most likely destination, with odds of -130, translating to a 56.52% chance. However, there was still a significant possibility of him being drafted by another team, with the Phoenix Suns (+700), Dallas Mavericks (+900), and Minnesota Timberwolves (+1000) also in the running.
Bronny's athletic abilities are considered elite, and he excels in catch-and-shoot situations with great defensive instincts. However, his lack of height and limited college experience might be seen as drawbacks. It is projected that he will start his professional career in the NBA G League to further develop his skills, similar to other second-generation players like Gary Payton II.
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LeBron James' new contract
LeBron James recently signed a two-year, $104 million maximum contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, which includes a player option in 2025-26 and a no-trade clause. The deal, which is slightly less than the maximum, will keep James with the Lakers until he is 41 if he plays out the full length of the contract.
The contract is set to make LeBron James the first player in NBA history to eclipse the $500 million mark in career on-court earnings, with expectations that he will make around $50 million in 2024-25, pushing his total career earnings to around $530 million.
The new contract limits the Lakers' flexibility in altering their roster, with the team now sitting just under the $188.9 million second apron. This means that the Lakers are restricted in their ability to acquire players via sign-and-trade, take back more salary in a trade, and access certain free agents.
Despite this, James' decision to stay with the Lakers was not a surprise, as multiple outlets had reported that he was expected to seek a new deal with the team after opting out of his contract for the 2024-25 season.
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LeBron James' career accomplishments
LeBron James is one of the most successful basketball players in the sport's history, with a long list of awards and accolades to his name. He made his NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 and has since played for the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he signed an extension in 2024.
James has achieved numerous milestones throughout his career. He was the first player in NBA history to eclipse 50,000 total points from the regular season and playoffs combined, and the first and only player to pass scoring marks of 6,000, 7,000, and 8,000 points in the postseason. He is also the only player in NBA history to record at least 36 points, 15 assists, and 0 turnovers in a game, and the only player to be in the top 5 all-time in career playoff points, assists, and steals.
James holds several records for his performance in the NBA Finals. He is the only player to average a triple-double in an NBA Finals series, achieving this feat in 2017 with averages of 33.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists. He also holds the record for most points per game scored by a player on the winning team in any seven-game NBA Finals series with 29.7. Additionally, James is the only player to average at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in an NBA Finals series, doing so six times.
James has also excelled internationally, winning his third gold medal as a member of Team USA at the 2024 Olympics. He was also named the U.S. Olympic flag-bearer at the opening ceremony.
Aside from his professional accomplishments, James considers playing alongside his son Bronny, who was drafted by the Lakers in 2024, as the greatest accomplishment of his career.
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The Lakers' future
The future of the Los Angeles Lakers is a topic of much discussion, with the team's prospects heavily tied to the presence of superstar LeBron James. With LeBron's career nearing its end, potentially within the next 1-3 years, the Lakers will need to adapt and find a new path to success.
LeBron's impact on the Lakers cannot be overstated, and his departure will leave a massive void. The team's management will need to make crucial decisions regarding their roster and strategy to remain competitive in the post-LeBron era. One key consideration will be the future of AD, a prominent player whose contract will be up for renewal around the time LeBron retires.
The Lakers possess an inherent advantage in attracting stars due to their location in Los Angeles, a factor that will play a significant role in their ability to sign new talent. However, they have had mixed success with their draft choices, with players like DLo, Ingram, and Lonzo failing to reach their full potential while playing for the Lakers. These players were second picks who only achieved success after their rookie contracts ended, highlighting the need for better player development and retention.
The Lakers will need to clear their books, retain their own draft picks, and pursue star players to rebuild a competitive roster. The team's future may also be influenced by the presence of LeBron's son, Bronny James, who was recently drafted by the Lakers as the 55th pick in the 2024 draft. Bronny signed a four-year , $7.9 million contract, and his development as a player will be an intriguing subplot as the Lakers transition into a new era.
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Frequently asked questions
Will James is the name of LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion who will be playing his 22nd NBA season in 2024-25.
LeBron James is the most famous basketball player on Earth and the NBA's all-time leading scorer. He is the first player in league history to earn $500 million in on-court earnings.
Bronny James is the son of LeBron James and a rookie in the NBA. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
No. Bronny James is the first player to be drafted into the NBA while his father is an active player.
