The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny James in the second round, and he instantly became the most-hyped 55th overall selection in NBA history. The 19-year-old is the eldest son of Lakers superstar LeBron James and the duo is on pace to make history. No father and son have ever shared the floor in the NBA, but that will change this season.
Bronny will not be part of the Lakers’ nightly rotation. He turns 20 on Oct. 6, but is just over a year removed from a serious medical emergency. James played under 20 minutes per game at USC last season. Los Angeles believes in his potential, but most of his minutes will come with the South Bay Lakers in the G League this season.
Having his son on the team has brought a bit more energy for LeBron entering his 22nd season. Bronny is eager to take him on in practice and make a name for himself. Everybody is wondering when the historic in-game moment will happen, but the answer should be obvious.
LeBron and Bronny James should first share the court in a blowout
The Lakers do not need a scripted moment where Bronny checks in on opening night and plays for two minutes. The younger James must earn his opportunities but is currently slated for the deep bench.
New head coach J.J. Redick cannot risk losing his first game to get Bronny on the floor. The Timberwolves were in the conference finals last season and will certainly attack the 20-year-old rookie second-round draft choice.
The Lakers need to wait for a blowout game. There will be several opportunities over the 82-game slate. With the contest decided, Redick should let LeBron share the floor with his son for a few minutes before the superstar exits. Los Angeles can wait for the duo to assist one another before fouling to get the GOAT off the floor.
This avoids the scripted aspect of the moment and makes it natural. Ideally, the game would happen at Crypto.com Arena and the Lakers would have the significant advantage. It may take multiple games, but the coaching staff should wait for the right opportunity over scripting or forcing it.
This will be a talking point until the moment takes place. LeBron James has dreamed of playing with his son in the NBA for years, and the chance is coming. Do not expect to see it on opening night, but there will be a blowout where Bronny gets a chance on the floor next to his dad. It will be a special moment for the entire James family that fans won’t want to miss. Keep watching even if the game has been decided.