A Historic Moment Looms for the NBA: The James Dynasty
Bronny and LeBron James stand on the precipice of a monumental chapter in sports history. With the Los Angeles Lakers having selected LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny, as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the basketball world is abuzz. This father-son duo has not just the NBA community but the entire sporting world eager with anticipation for what could be an unprecedented and defining moment.
If LeBron and Bronny suit up together in the upcoming season, it will mark the first instance in NBA history where a father and son have played on the same team. This occurrence would etch their names into the annals of basketball lore, adding to the illustrious legacy of LeBron James while giving Bronny a unique entry point into professional basketball.
While this scenario is a novel one for the NBA, other major American sports leagues have witnessed similar extraordinary partnerships. The NFL’s history notes Ted and Charlie Nesser as its only father-son duo to have played on the same team. The Nessers took the field for the Columbus Panhandles against the Akron World's Champions on September 25, 1921. The team later disbanded and rebranded as the Columbus Tigers, lasting until 1926.
Intriguingly, the Nessers’ story doesn’t end with Ted and Charlie. The Panhandles were a family affair with six other Nesser brothers – John, Paul, Phil, Ted, Frank, and Al – also representing the team at various times in the early 20th century. Such familial devotion to a single team is rare and illustrates an era of football that celebrated grit and familial loyalty.
In the NHL, the legendary Gordie Howe carved a unique niche with his sons Mark and Marty, playing for the Hartford Whalers. The familial trifecta first came to attention when Gordie made a household return to hockey to join his sons in the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros in 1973. This comeback was highlighted by Mark Howe replicating his father’s achievement, scoring his first professional goal exactly 27 years after Gordie’s milestone with the Detroit Red Wings.
The Howes’ journey in hockey transitioned to the NHL’s Hartford Whalers during the 1979-80 season, with Gordie contributing a remarkable 15 goals and 26 assists. It’s a testament to Gordie’s longevity and skill that he could compete alongside his sons in the professional arena.
Baseball also offers its own father-son moments of glory, most notably with Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. donning the Seattle Mariners’ uniform in the early '90s. A highlight for fans came on September 14, 1990, when they hit back-to-back home runs, etching an unforgettable moment into baseball's rich tapestry. Ken Griffey Jr. enjoyed a standout season in 1990, scoring 91 runs, hitting 22 homers, and boasting a .300 batting average.
Another remarkable duo in the world of baseball was Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. The Raines duo shared the outfield for the Baltimore Orioles in 2001, with Tim Raines Sr. in left field and Tim Raines Jr. in center field on October 4, 2001. This partnership once again demonstrated the unique bonds and inspirational stories that sports can create.
Returning to the NBA, the James’s potential historic moment is another chapter in the book of notable father-son pairs in basketball. Families like the Anthonys (Greg and Cole), Thompsons (Mychal and Klay), Waltons (Bill and Luke), and especially the Currys (Dell, Steph, and Seth) have all contributed significantly to the league.
As the upcoming NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on the Lakers and the James family. Whether it unfolds as anticipated or not, the mere prospect of LeBron sharing the court with Bronny adds an exhilarating subplot to the season. The potential for this father-son duo to make history underscores the beauty of sports – the endless varieties of inspirational and pioneering stories.