Etching history and now witnessing history being made. How many people can claim to have played in a pro sports league along with their father? It turns out to be one, which will now likely change to two after the LA Lakers take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. The LA side has always been creating history in the league. Bronny James and LeBron James did share the court during the preseason but achieving the same during the regular season will be another spectacle, entering the record books.
Bronny James has faced significant flack early in his NBA journey, even before playing his first official game. Being LeBron’s son has naturally placed him in the media spotlight, making him an easy target for both fans and the media. But they won’t be the only father-son duo present. The game will be graced by the presence of Ken Griffey Jr. and his dad in the stands.
“I’m actually going to go to the game and I’m going to take my dad,” Griffey Jr. said. He and Ken Griffey Sr. were the first father-son duo to play together in the MLB 30+ years ago. Now LeBron and Bronny will replicate the same feat in the NBA. JJ Redick has yet to confirm whether they’ll play together, but many expect they will. The Lakers always make history and likely won’t miss this chance.
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When Ken Griffey Jr. joined the Seattle Mariners in 1990, he and his father, Griffey Sr., formed one of the most celebrated duos in sports. They played together for 2 seasons, honestly, which could be very possible for the James family as well. The MLB duo not only played together but also hit back-to-back home runs on Sep 14, 1990. The first home run by Sr. was then replicated by his son.
Ken Griffey Sr.’s career highlights include two World Series titles and three All-Star appearances. Meanwhile, Griffey Jr. went on to establish himself as one of the game’s greatest players, earning 13 All-Star selections, winning an American League MVP, leading the league in home runs 4 times, and securing his place in the Baseball Hall of Fame and on the MLB All-Century Team.
USA Today via Reuters Aug 10, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners former outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. hugs his father Ken Griffey Sr. during an induction ceremony into the Seattle Mariners hall of fame before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Milwaukee Brewers at Safeco Field.. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
When informed the Griffeys would be at the game, Bronny admitted he was looking forward to seeing them in the arena! “Yeah, it’s gonna be exciting,” James said. “Two families to do it, so it’s gonna be a crazy experience, especially with what they’ve done.” While Bronny is excited to see the Griffeys, all other eyes would be on him. Unless and until Bronny proves himself in the league with solid performances, he is not beating the allegations of being in the league because his dad’s name is LeBron James.
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Magic Johnson comes to Bronny James’ rescue, amid widespread madness
The critics berate Bronny every chance they get, calling him ‘nepo baby’, and accusing of him being in the league because of his dad. The dynamic between the father-son duos differs significantly, as the Griffeys didn’t face nearly as much media scrutiny during their playing days in the 1990s. A certain Lakers legend, however, thinks otherwise. Magic Johnson came in support of the Lakers’ rookie.
“Laker Nation, I have to tell you Bronny James is going to be a really good basketball player! Last night, he showed he has a few things you simply can’t teach high basketball IQ, athleticism, and a competitive spirit that makes him a tenacious defender! I believe after a lot of hard work this season, he’ll definitely be in the Lakers’ rotation and playing heavy minutes,” the hoops legend wrote on X.
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While seeing LeBron and Bronny James share the court will be a special moment, the partnership might not extend far beyond the season opener. With the Lakers focused on contending for a championship, finding ample playing time for the 20-year-old workhorse could be a challenge for his development. Over six preseason games, the 6’2″ guard posted under-par numbers, averaging 4.2 points on 29.7% shooting, 0.3 assists, and 1.2 turnovers—showing that his game still has a lot of room for improvement.
What’s your take on the entire Bronny-LeBron narrative in the hoops world? Let us know below.
Who Are Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr? Meet LeBron & Bronny James’ MLB Counterparts, Who Achieved the Rare Feat 34 Years Ago
