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The LA Lakers drafted USC guard Bronny James, son of Lakers superstar forward LeBron James, No. 55 in the 2024 NBA draft. Following Thursday's historic selection, ESPN's Dave McMenamin provided insight into the James family's emotional reaction to the momentous event.
Upon Bronny getting picked by LA, he and LeBron became the first active father-son duo in NBA history.
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The selection was widely predicted by draft experts, with nearly every mock draft featuring Bronny going 55th to the Lakers. Nevertheless, the James family reportedly waited in anticipation for Bronny to hear his name called by NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum.
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Per McMenamin, LeBron and his wife, Savannah James, and a small group of family and friends, gathered in New York on Thursday awaiting Bronny's selection. Afterward, they reportedly celebrated, with the four-time MVP getting emotional reflecting on his son's journey to the NBA.
"I'm told that the James family and some of their closest friends and confidants, including Rich Paul, of course, Gloria James, LeBron's mother, and Savannah's parents as well, gathered for an intimate dinner in New York City today to await what was gonna happen with the second round," McMenamin reported Thursday.
"When they got the call from the Lakers, LeBron James had a champagne toast to everyone there, ... less than 20 people, and ... he got very emotional in considering the weight of the moment. Not just the history for the NBA, the first time you have a father-son duo playing together, and not just the history for the James family ... But really the journey for Bronny James."
On July 24, ahead of his freshman season with USC, Bronny was hospitalized after suffering cardiac arrest in practice. He later underwent surgery to treat a congenital heart defect, sidelining him for nearly five months.
After joining the Trojans midseason, Bronny had an up-and-down campaign. Over 25 outings, he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.8 steals per game, shooting 36.6% and 26.7% from 3.
However, he showed flashes of being an athletic two-way NBA guard prospect and tested well in May's NBA draft combine, boosting his stock. Now, the 19-year-old has the chance to play alongside his father on a competitive Lakers squad next season.
Rob Pelinka says Bronny James should make history by playing alongside LeBron James on Lakers
Bronny James' draft selection came days ahead of his father's looming contract decision. LeBron James has until Saturday to decide whether to opt into his $51.4 million player option for next season or become a free agent. Regardless, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka appears intent on seeing him play with his son.
On Thursday, Pelinka highlighted his desire to see Bronny and LeBron make additional history by suiting up on the Lakers together next season.
"Next season, NBA history could be made, and NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform," Pelinka said.
Per Dave McMenamin, LA plans to offer LeBron a three-year, $162 million maximum contract if he enters free agency. Thus, all signs point toward the 20-time All-Star remaining with the franchise to finish his illustrious career alongside Bronny.
