Lakers Draft Bronny James, Creating First Father-Son Duo in NBA History
The Los Angeles made history by selecting Bronny James in the second round of this year’s NBA draft, becoming the first team to potentially have a father-son duo play in the league. We discuss it here!
December 15th, 2019: LeBron "Bronny" James Jr. (0) plays in the high school basketball game between St. V. Irish and Sierra Canyon Trailblazers at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH.
Photo Cred: Mark Alberti/1022 Project
By: Joshua Martin
This year’s NBA Draft may go down as one of the most memorable drafts of all time. Not only did we see a plethora of potential stars walk across the stage but in the second round at pick number 55, The Los Angeles Lakers made history. With the 55th selection the Lakers chose Bronny James, making he and Lebron the first father son duo to play in the league simultaneously.
Bronny James is selected 55th overall by the @Lakers in the 2024 #NBADraft presented by State Farm!
— NBA (@NBA) June 27, 2024
Watch the Second Round on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/BnxozT7CGj
Multiple videos and stills surfaced of Lebron, Savannah, Bryce and LeBron’s mother, Gloria James, huddling around Bronny as he watched his name get called. The former USC Trojan could be seen wiping away tears as his mother handed him his official Lakers Draft Night hat.
Bronny James emotional with his family after being drafted 🙏pic.twitter.com/xidyce5nhl
— NBA World (@NBAW0RLD24) June 27, 2024
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka spoke on this historical moment
“In the history of the NBA, there’s never been a father and a son that have shared an NBA basketball court and that feels like something that could be magical. We know, and have to respect of course, that LeBron has a decision on his opt-out…but if it worked out that he was on our team next season, NBA history could be made. And NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform.”
L.A.’s second superstar Anthony Davis shared similar sentiments. Admitting that Bronny will be fine, highlighting his on court abilities and his willingness to create his own path and not thrive off of the successes of his legendary father.
“He’s very good defensively. He can read the floor very well. I think he’s a really good playmaker. I saw him work out a couple 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. 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.”
During Bronny’s short collegiate stint at USC, the guard averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game. His playing time and draft stock took a major hit after suffering from a cardiac arrest incident and surgery. His recovery sideland him for almost 5 months, making his basketball career murky at best.
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Reggie Bush Set to Reclaim Heisman Trophy
Reggie Bush is reclaiming his 2005 Heisman Memorial Trophy, which he had to forfeit in 2010. We discuss it here!
Reggie Bush signals a first down during a game in 2006 vs UCLA.
Photo cred: Lisa Blumenfeld/ Getty Images
By: Joshua Martin
As a part of a decision made by the Heisman Trust Wednesday (April 24th), the Heisman Trophy is returning to Reggie Bush and its replica to the University of Southern Cal. Bush will also be allowed to attend all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies starting this fall.
The Heisman Trust’s decision comes after Bush forfeited his Heisman trophy back in 2010 in the wake of NCAA sanctions for USC. These violations included Bush receiving improper benefits during his Trojans career, spanning from 2003 to 2005.
“Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who unquestionably was the most outstanding college football player of 2005.”
The NCAA vacated 14 victories in which Reggie Bush played including the Trojans impressive victory over Oklahoma after the 2004 season. USC’s sanctions also included the vacating of the 2004 national title, the first time a major college football champion had been stripped of its championship.
“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family. I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”
Bush’s impressive play on the field made him one of the most transcendent college athletes of all time. He averaged 8.5 yards per touch from scrimmage during his USC career, including rushing for 1,740 yards and 8.7 yards per carry on only 200 carries during his Heisman campaign. Bush was so dominant that season that his 784 first-place votes are the fifth most in Heisman Trophy history. Bush went on to become the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 draft by the New Orleans Saints.
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LeBron James Expresses Gratitude Amidst Bronny's Medical Emergency
LeBron James expresses gratitude after Bronny's cardiac arrest, while the sports world shows support and love to the James family. We discuss it here!
The James family takes a picture at the 31st annual ESPYS awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on July 12, 2023. (Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images)
By: Adonis Armstrong
In his first public statement since Bronny James experienced a cardiac arrest, LeBron James expresses gratitude to everyone who sent well wishes and prayers to his family.
TMZ Sports reported on July 25th that the 18-year-old athlete experienced a medical emergency during a workout at the University of Southern California on the previous day, July 24th. “Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital. He is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU,” A family spokesperson issued the statement.
In May, Bronny joined the university's basketball team as the No. 19 recruit, and the James family expressed their gratitude to USC's staff while requesting privacy in their initial statement. LeBron mentioned in a recent tweet that they will share further details when they feel comfortable doing so. “I want to thank the countless people sending my family love and prayers,” he captioned. “We feel you, and I’m so grateful. Everyone doing great. We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love. Will have more to say when we’re ready, but I wanted to tell everyone how much your support has meant to all of us!”
I want to thank the countless people sending my family love and prayers. We feel you and I’m so grateful. Everyone doing great. We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love. Will have more to say when we’re ready but I wanted to tell everyone how much your…
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 27, 2023
Following the news about Bronny's situation, numerous individuals in the sports world, including Damar Hamlin, extended their love, support, and encouragement to the James family. In a tweet, the Buffalo Bills safety captioned, “Prayers to Bronny and the James family as well. Here for you guys just like you have been for me my entire process.”
Prayers to Bronny & The James family as well. 🙏🏽 here for you guys just like you have been for me my entire process.
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) July 25, 2023
We at 247LC are sending the James family all the strength and positivity during this challenging time. Wishing Bronny a swift recovery, and looking forward to seeing you back in action soon.
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Bronny James Commits to USC
Bronny James makes his college decision by committing to USC, igniting a new era of basketball for the Trojans. We discuss it here!
December 15th, 2019: LeBron "Bronny" James Jr. (0) during the H.S. basketball game between the St. V. Irish and Sierra Canyon Trailblazers at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. Mark Alberti/1022
Credit: 1022 Project via Shutterstock
By: Joshua Martin
After much speculation, it's official!! Bronny James Jr., the eldest son of NBA Legend LeBron James, is staying on the West Coast and attending the University of Southern California.
Bronny wrote in his instagram caption “Fight On ✌🏿 #committed” while dawning his Sierra Canyon High School basketball uniform in the Trojans’ locker room.
After the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of the western conference semifinals, LeBron said in a postgame press conference that his son picked “a great university.”
“Unless it was one of my great-grandmothers or great-grandfathers or someone way before my time, to my knowledge this is the first one out of the James Gang to go to college.”
Basketball is family ❤️
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2023
LeBron speaks on Bronny's college commitment. pic.twitter.com/VgELV0vTWv
Currently James Jr. ranks as a top 5 point guard according to ESPN and as a Trojan, Bronny has a chance to develop his impressive on ball defensive skills, while also honing his scoring ability and playmaking skills.
Bronny’s decision was interesting to say the least. Especially since the Trojans haven't made it to a Final Four since 1954 and hasn't had a deep tournament run in decades. One could only speculate that the allure of staying close to family and the bright and sandy beaches of SoCal played a major role in his decision.
Ask yourself. How often has college basketball been the topic of conversation for fans of USC’s athletic program? It’s usually the coliseum for a Trojan football game on saturdays. With Bronny on campus, the buzz around the Galen Center is destined to become a fever pitch.
Unlike most prospects, Bronny’s game has been under the microscope since becoming a rising freshman at Sierra Canyon High School. Initially, many believed his growth was small and incremental but after an impressive performance at this year's McDonald's All American game, the adulation of Bronny’s game has been on the rise. And rightfully so.
The 6-foot-3 athlete has great speed and lateral quickness and the explosiveness that should transition nicely to the college game. A pure shooting stroke with range and the mental capacity to out-think opponents at the amateur level.
USC’s basketball program has been buried behind the dominance of its cross town rival UCLA with its 11 National Championships over 60 seasons. The Trojans have had their moments but even the best USC teams can't hold a candle to the squads that dominated the sport during the Wooden era. We are now living in a new reality. As of now, Bronny provides USC with the sort of glitz and glamor it has never had.
Opting to avoid traditional blue blood programs, it's obvious Bronny wants to be a part of history. If the Trojans are successful next season, Bronny could help snap a 70 year Final Four drought, a 39 year PAC 12 title drought and it's been 53 years since USC finished in the top 5.
“Obviously, his dad didn’t go to school. His mom didn’t go to college. It’s super cool. … USC is getting a great kid. He’s there to play basketball, [but] they’re going to be super surprised at how great a kid he is, even though they’ve been recruiting him for a while.”