The Los Angeles Lakers could witness a groundbreaking moment in the 2024-25 NBA season, as coach J.J. Redick has hinted that LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, might share the court in competitive action. Should this happen, it would be the first time in NBA history that a father and son have played together in an official game.
A Historic Opportunity
The idea of the James duo appearing together on the same team has been a topic of anticipation since Bronny was drafted by the Lakers as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. While Bronny signed a $7.9 million rookie contract with the franchise in July, there were initial murmurs of nepotism. However, the young guard has assured fans that he is prepared to prove himself worthy of the opportunity, despite the inevitable pressure of playing alongside his legendary father.
Redick’s Strategic Plan for Bronny
Coach J.J. Redick has laid out a strategic plan for Bronny’s development, aimed at gradually integrating him into the NBA’s rigorous competition. “It’s going to happen sooner rather than later,” Redick said, referring to Bronny’s debut. Though there is no official commitment on how the father-son dynamic will unfold on the court, discussions are ongoing within the Lakers’ coaching staff.
“We don’t have anything planned per se in terms of commitment to do it this way,” Redick explained. “We’ve obviously talked about it as a staff, and we’ve gotten into some specifics of what that might look like, but we haven’t committed to anything. Obviously, there’s a discussion to be had once we’re all together with Bronny and LeBron, too.”
Bronny’s Role and Development
Turning 20 in early October, Bronny is likely to spend significant time in the developmental G League with the South Bay Lakers. This will allow him to hone his skills while gaining valuable experience before making his NBA debut. His father, LeBron, now 39, remains focused on pushing the Lakers towards another championship in his 22nd season, following a remarkable summer where he led Team USA to its fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in basketball.
LeBron’s Longevity and Commitment
Despite his age, LeBron James continues to defy expectations. Coach Redick noted that the veteran superstar is still performing at an exceptional level. “I think everyone in this building is cognizant of the fact that he’s almost 40. But when we’ve watched the pickup games, he’s going full tilt. He’s on the court, he’s going.”
Redick’s recent hiring in June, after a career as an ESPN analyst and a 15-year tenure in the NBA, brings him into a coaching role where his long-standing relationship with LeBron is seen as an asset. Building a strong coach-player dynamic is crucial as the team navigates the season’s challenges.
Building a Strong Foundation
While LeBron spent most of the summer with Team USA, Redick emphasized the importance of ongoing communication in strengthening their professional relationship. “The biggest thing is just the communication that we already inherently have that’s just continued to grow,” he shared.
As the 2024-25 season progresses, the potential for LeBron and Bronny James to share the court represents not just a personal milestone for the family, but a historic moment for the NBA. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching as this father-son duo navigates uncharted territory, adding yet another chapter to LeBron’s illustrious career and marking the beginning of Bronny’s own professional journey.