NBA insider suggests probability of Bronny James suiting up with LeBron James for Lakers on opening night
This season, LeBron James will make NBA history by playing alongside his son Bronny. A few weeks out from training camp, one insider thinks the basketball world won't have to wait long for the first father-son moment.
Earlier this week, ESPN's Zach Lowe joined Bill Simmons on his podcast to discuss their biggest concerns heading into this season. While talking about the Lakers, the longtime analyst shared his thoughts on how he thinks things will unfold. Lowe is anticipating that LeBron James' son, Bronny, will play in the first game of the year so that he and LeBron can have a moment together.
"He's 100% playing in the opening game so that they can have a moment together," Lowe said. "Right? That's gonna happen. So they pass to each other, whatever it ends up being." [1:08:27]
LeBron James is coming off a busy summer where he and his LA Lakers teammate Anthony Davis helped Team USA win gold in the Olympics. The 20-time All-Star took home MVP honors. Now, he'll attempt to lead LA following their first-round exit in the playoffs last year.
As for Bronny, it remains unclear what his situation in the NBA will be this season. After being drafted No. 55 overall, the Lakers gave him a four-year standard contract worth just under $8 million.
Former NBA guard defends nepotism narrative surrounding LeBron James
As expected, one of the biggest stories coming out of the 2024 NBA draft was Bronny James getting drafted by the LA Lakers. Many accused LeBron James of nepotism following the move.
Following a lackluster college season, Bronny saw himself get selected late in the second round. Many felt he wasn't an NBA-level talent yet and only got drafted because of who his father is.
Last week, former NBA guard Mike Bibby came to the defense of LeBron James. He feels the Lakers star did nothing wrong, and he was just doing the best for his kid.
"He did what he was supposed to do," Bibby said. "Evrybody wants the best for their kids and it's going to be good to see. Everyone wants the best for their son, I'm glad he got to do it."
Bibby played for numerous teams in his 14-year career but is most remembered for his time with the Sacramento Kings. While bouncing around the league in his final seasons, he crossed paths with LeBron for a brief period. The two were teammates on the Miami Heat for 22 games during the 2011 season.
Whether nepotism played a role or not, LeBron and Bronny will likely cement their place in NBA history. Given the rarity of such longevity, it is impossible to predict whether another father-son pair will ever appear in the NBA.