Neymar reacts after LA Lakers announce LeBron James’ son Bronny as NBA draft pick, with father-son duo set to become teammates
Brazil all-time top scorer Neymar has reacted to LeBron James and Bronny James creating NBA history by becoming the first father-son pair to become teammates. Bronny was selected by the LA Lakers as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Friday (June 28).
It's an unprecedented feat in the NBA and a rarity in US sports. Only three other pairs - Ted and Charlie Nesser (NFL-Columbus Panhandles, 2021), Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. (MLB, Seattle Mariners, 1990-91) and Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. (NHL, 2001) - have accomplished the feat previously.
It's a testament to NBA all-time top scorer LeBron James' longevity and sustained excellence, completing his 21st year in the league last year and showing little signs of slowing down anytime soon. Meanwhile, Bronny spent a lone season with USC before deciding to go professional.
Neymar - who has been out injured since October last year - reacted to the monumental achievement by posting a picture of LeBron and Bronny on his Instagram story and simply captioning it:
"Insane"
It's pertinent to note that four teams - the Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, LA Clippers and reigning champions Boston Celtics - could have played spoilsport by picking Bronny. However, they didn't, allowing the Lakers to pick LeBron's eldest son.
Neymar, meanwhile, is cheering his international teammates at the ongoing 2024 Copa America, where Brazil beat Paraguay 4-1 in Nevada on Friday (June 28) to move to the cusp of the quarterfinals.
Neymar's teammate Vinicius Jr. sizzles as Brazil dismantle Paraguay in 2024 Copa America
Following a drab goalless draw with Costa Rica in their 2024 Copa America opener, Brazil arrived at the party in the United States with a clinical 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
Real Madrid striker Vinicius Jr. played a key role in the victory, scoring twice from as many shots on target and laying out two key passes. He also completed seven dribbles and two tackles and won nine duels in an impressive performance.
The Selecao next take on leaders Columbia in their final group game on July 2 in Santa Clara, California. A win will take them through as group winners. A draw will also be enough to take them to the knockouts, as group runners-up.
Even a loss will take the Selecao through as long as Costa Rica don't overhaul a six-goal difference while beating Paraguay.