The world of sports could soon witness a historic moment, as LeBron James and his eldest son, Bronny, are on the verge of making basketball history together. The Los Angeles Lakers recently selected Bronny as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, setting the stage for what could be an unprecedented event in the NBA. Should both LeBron and Bronny take to the court in the upcoming season, they would become the first father-son duo to play together in the league.
This potential milestone would not be the first of its kind in professional sports. The NFL, NHL, and MLB have all seen similar father-son collaborations that have left lasting impressions on their respective sports. In the NFL, Ted and Charlie Nesser are the sole father-son duo known to have played on the same team. They played together for the Columbus Panhandles against the Akron World's Champions on September 25, 1921. The Panhandles, which eventually rebranded as the Columbus Tigers before disbanding in 1926, were notable for including six Nesser brothers – John, Paul, Phil, Ted, Frank, and Al – who all suited up for the team at various times in the early 20th century.
In hockey, the legendary Gordie Howe teamed up with his sons, Mark and Marty, first in the World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Houston Aeros and later with the NHL's Hartford Whalers. Gordie made his remarkable return to hockey to play alongside his sons in the 1973 season. This familial trio continued their unique on-ice partnership into the 1979-80 NHL season with the Hartford Whalers, where Gordie contributed 15 goals and 26 assists. Notably, Mark Howe netted his first professional goal exactly 27 years after his father’s initial tally with the Detroit Red Wings.
Baseball offers similarly captivating tales. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. made headlines with their back-to-back home runs for the Seattle Mariners on September 14, 1990. This dynamic tandem shared the field from 1990 to 1991, symbolizing a rare and cherished moment in the sport. Griffey Jr.'s stellar performance in the 1990 season – with 91 runs, 22 home runs, and a .300 batting average – highlighted the exceptional family talent.
Another notable baseball pairing featured Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr., who played together for the Baltimore Orioles towards the end of the 2001 season. On October 4, 2001, Tim Raines Sr. played left field while his son patrolled center field, adding another unique chapter to the annals of sports history.
While Bronny and LeBron James prepare to make their mark, it's worth noting other father-son duos who have both been drafted into the NBA. This includes relationships such as Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, and Dell, Steph, and Seth Curry – all of whom have made significant impacts in the league.
As anticipation builds around the Jameses’ potential NBA pairing, it’s clear that their story is poised to join the ranks of these remarkable father-son combinations. LeBron, already an iconic figure in the sport, has the chance to elevate his legacy even further by sharing the professional stage with his son. The coming season, therefore, holds a particular significance as fans and analysts eagerly await the possibility of witnessing basketball history unfold before their eyes.