“That’s crazy, father-son in NBA”- Kiyan Anthony pays respect to LeBron James and Bronny’s duo

On the latest episode of "Unapologetically Angel", Chicago Sky star Angel Reese hosted a conversation with Kiyan Anthony, the son of NBA icon Carmelo Anthony. The two discussed Kiyan’s basketball future, his family legacy, and his close connection to Bronny James.

LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony have shared a great friendship throughout their careers. Angel asked Kiyan: "How do you feel about him being able to play with his dad, would you have wanted to play with your dad?"

Reflecting on the rare opportunity Bronny has to play alongside his legendary father, Kiyan said:

"Nah, that's crazy, like father, son in the NBA. That’s fire."

Kiyan said that he congratulated Bronny when the Lakers selected him with the 55th overall pick in the draft. However, he mentioned that they haven’t yet had an “in-depth” conversation. When Reese suggested that Carmelo Anthony should come out of retirement for the chance to play with Kiyan too. Kiyan responded:

"That's crazy, and then Bron's still doing everything that he's doing, and Bronny trying to make his way up, that's fire."

This season, LeBron and Bronny James gave fans a rare experience as they stepped onto the court together during the opening night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bronny entered the game with just four minutes left in the first quarter, and the father-son duo received a standing ovation.

Bronny played less than three minutes before being subbed out. In his second game on Wednesday night, he scored his first points back in Cleveland, marking a full-circle moment in his father’s NBA journey.

Reese, on the other hand, is preparing to participate in the inaugural season of the 3-on-3 Unrivaled League.

---

Kiyan Anthony’s path to NIL stardom

Kiyan, three years younger than Bronny, is focused on his next step in basketball. Not only that but also the decision of which college to attend. Already equipped with a major NIL deal and known for his impressive high school career, Kiyan has secured a spot on the basketball community’s radar.

The 17-year-old athlete has already secured an impressive lineup of NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals. As of September 2023, Kiyan has partnered with several high-profile brands, signing contracts with One Way Clothing and PSD Underwear, as well as toy brand Nerf.

By October 2023, he expanded his portfolio with an endorsement from the Kobe Bryant Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, aligning himself with one of basketball’s most beloved legacies.

The deals have boosted Kiyan’s NIL valuation to a projected $1.1 million, placing him at 56 in On3’s NIL rankings and securing him the 11th spot among high school athletes. With this foundation in place, his brand value is expected to continue rising, especially as he transitions into college basketball.