Bronny James’ selection as the 55th pick for the LA Lakers headlined the often-neglected second round of the NBA Draft. The pick is being seen as historic, as Bronny will play alongside his father LeBron James, who has been playing for the Lakers for the past six seasons, becoming the first active father-son duo in league history.
The selection made rounds in the NBA world, catching the attention of superstars and former players alike. Each of them recognized the significance of the development and what it must have meant for LeBron, who is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, as a father.
Former All-Stars Ja Morant, Dejounte Murray, and Zach Lavine took to X to react to the moment.
“Imagine being able to play with your son! This is historic, having 2 boys my self I couldn’t image how that would feel 🫡,” said Lavine, who plays for the Chicago Bulls.
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“BRON Getting To See His Son In The Same Jersey As Him Gotta Be The Biggest FLEX 💪🏽 Shoutout BRONNY!!!!!,” said Atlanta Hawks’ star Murray.
“🔥🔥🔥,” wrote Morant, who has had multiple playoff matchups with LeBron James and the Lakers in the past.
Magic Johnson also joined in the celebration, acknowledging James’ legacy as a family man and congratulating Bronny for finally reaching his NBA dream.
“Congratulations to Bronny James on being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers! This is a historic moment because LeBron and Bronny are the first father-son duo to play in the NBA at the same time and on the same team. Watching Bronny suit up for the @Lakers during Summer League in Vegas will be must-see TV,” wrote Johnson, who brought five championships for the Lakers in the 1980s.
Los Angeles Clippers players Terrance Mann and Bones Hyland also joined in the recognition, as they expressed their wonder about having the first father-son duo in the league.
“Playing in the league with your son is OD! So elite,” said Mann.
“I’m negl Bron & Bronny as teammates now is odee! Every Dad dreams of there son being in the league but to be on the same team, mannn they exceeded in life 🔥🔥🔥” said Hyland.
To make the father-son tandem official, Bronny needs to sign an NBA deal, while LeBron has to opt into his $51.6 million player option with the Lakers for next season.
Bronny James reacts after hearing his name in the NBA Draft
After a long journey, Bronny James will finally be donning an NBA jersey. The 19-year-old shared his reaction after being drafted in his Instagram story.
“Beyond blessed,” Bronny wrote.
Last year, Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest from a congenital heart defect that required him to undergo surgery, which cost him half of his freshman year.
Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists for the USC Trojans in about 19.4 minutes per game.
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