LeBron James and his eldest son, Bronny James, made history on Thursday, June 27th, when the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny with their 55th pick during the NBA draft. This is the first time a father and son have played together on the same team in the NBA.
After winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2004, LeBron James welcomed his first son with his high school sweetheart, Savannah Brinson, according to Sports Illustrated. They originally named him Lebron James Jr., but he wanted to be known as his own person and not just by his father, so he went by the name Bronny.
Bronny had luxury, fame, and two younger siblings, unlike his father, who grew up as the only child of a single mother and whose early life was scarred by poverty and family struggle.
“It’s hard to get motivated. You know, you gotta think that that kid has been sleeping in mansions and living a life that people could only dream of. So the fact that he’s been motivated enough to get this far where he is, I mean, that says a lot,” said George Ryan, a huge fan of the NBA since the late 90’s.
During his childhood, Bronny developed hobbies ranging from sports such as basketball and soccer to indoor activities such as video games and playing instruments. He even won the summer league tournament—not the NBA summer league, but the Call of Duty Summer League.
By age 10, Bronny’s basketball skills started drawing national attention, as he was the son of a future hall of famer, LeBron James. He played for teams such as Miami City Ballers, and Gulf Coast Blue Chips, with teammates such as Jett Howard. Throughout his basketball career, Bronny learned from his father and earned multiple opportunities and achievements that went beyond any treatment he could have gotten because of his fame.
Choosing to go to school at the University of Southern California, Bronny hoped to join the USC Trojans basketball team for a career that was looking to extend to the NBA. However, while preparing for a 10-day exhibition tour, his dreams experienced a major setback as he experienced cardiac arrest at a practice session with his team according to Sportingnews. Bronny was treated on the spot before being taken immediately to the hospital.
Three days later, Bronny was released from the hospital and debuted for the Trojans. He played for the USC final 25 times and achieved multiple feats before deciding to enter the NBA draft.
“He’s got a heart condition which he’s been overcoming. Once again, that’s amazing,” said Ryan.
Eventually being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny achieved his dream of playing in the NBA.
Overall, his dedication and passion for basketball have been rewarded by his being able to play in the NBA and alongside his father. Bronny’s success is “a dream come true” for him and his father.
At the end of the day “It’s a first. So, yes, it’s a milestone for sure.” said Ryan.
