In a historic moment for the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers have selected Bronny James, eldest son of the legendary LeBron James, with the 55th pick in the second round of the draft.
This selection marks the first time a father-son duo will play in the NBA simultaneously, and even more remarkably, as teammates.
The James family received this monumental news during an intimate dinner party in New York.
According to ESPN LeBron's mother, Gloria, along with Savannah's parents, and some of Bronny's closest friends and confidants were present.
As the Lakers' decision was announced, LeBron led a heartfelt champagne toast, filled with emotion as he acknowledged the significance of the occasion.
Bronny, just 19 years old, has shown remarkable resilience and determination. In his single season at USC, he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, despite facing a major health scare.
© David BeckerBronny joined the Trojans midseason after being sidelined for nearly five months due to a cardiac arrest episode that required surgery to address a congenital heart defect.
Thankfully, he was medically cleared for the draft by the NBA's Fitness to Play Panel just in time for the combine.
Bronny’s performance at the draft combine in Chicago was nothing short of impressive. He excelled in agility drills and emerged as one of the top performers in the 3-point shooting drills. His stock skyrocketed, paving the way for his selection by the Lakers.
© Meg OliphantLeBron, who has until Saturday to opt into the final year of his Lakers contract worth $51.4 million, or become an unrestricted free agent, is a crucial part of the Lakers' plans.
The team is keen to retain him for his 22nd season and beyond, offering the maximum three-year, $162 million deal to keep the 39-year-old star with the franchise.
© Christopher PolkLakers All-Star big man Anthony Davis expressed his support for the team’s decision to target Bronny.
"He's very good defensively," Anthony shared with ESPN. "He can read the floor very well. I think he's a really good playmaker. I saw him work out a couple of times besides the [Klutch Sports] pro day and working with a big -- his reads, reading the defense, making the right passes -- that was really impressive to me. I think he's going to be fine, man. Obviously, it's a lot of pressure on him with his dad being who he is."
© Kevin MazurAnthony continued, highlighting Bronny's determination to forge his own path. "But one thing about Bronny, from what I've seen and what I heard, he wants to create his own path and he doesn't want to be -- even though he's LeBron James' son, he don't want be seen as that. And I think having that mindset and trying to create his own path is going to work out for him. ... Who knows, he might come in and be ready to play for us."
LeBron shares his two sons plus daughter Zhuri Nova, eight, with his wife of ten years, Savannah James.
Their love story is as epic as his basketball career, as the two have been together since they went to high school, in Akron, Ohio. The two tied the knot in 2013, when he was 28 and she 26, hosting their wedding in San Diego, California.
