Los Angeles, California – LeBron “Bronny” James Jr. has officially been selected by the Los Angeles Lakers, the team where his father, NBA superstar LeBron James, currently plays. This move marks a historic moment in NBA history, as it could potentially lead to the first father-son duo to share the court in a professional basketball game.

Despite not being selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, James Jr. was chosen by the Lakers as the 55th overall pick. The 6-foot-2 guard from the University of Southern California had been a topic of discussion leading up to the draft, with scouts acknowledging his potential and development as a player.

Analysts, like Yahoo Sports NBA draft analyst Krysten Peek, had predicted James Jr.’s selection by the Lakers. Despite some uncertainties surrounding his game, Peek highlighted his skills in shooting and scoring potential as promising factors in his draft stock.

While James Jr. may carry the weight of being the son of one of the greatest basketball players of all time, his journey to the NBA has not been without challenges. His underwhelming freshman season at USC, combined with a health scare in July 2024, raised questions about his readiness for the professional stage.

Many scouts and executives have expressed reservations about James Jr.’s draft potential. However, history has shown that sons of NBA players often defy expectations and exceed their draft positions, as seen with players like Jalen Brunson and Stephen Curry.

The decision for father and son to play together may not be as set in stone as previously thought. LeBron James has reportedly altered his stance on the idea, with his agent indicating that playing alongside his son is not a guaranteed outcome.

As James Jr. embarks on his NBA journey with the Lakers, he brings with him a solid high school career as a four-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American. His skills on the court, combined with his family’s basketball legacy, set the stage for a potentially impactful career in the NBA.