LeBron James has always dreamed of playing in the NBA alongside his son, Bronny James. Now that dream has come true with both of them donning the Los Angeles Lakers jersey. Early in his career, LeBron James expressed his desire to stay in the league long enough to share the court with his son, which became a reality in 2024.
LeBron James’ NBA career has spanned over two decades, establishing him as one of the greatest players in basketball history. He entered the league in 2003 as the first overall pick in the NBA Draft and has since become a four-time NBA champion, a 19-time NBA All-Star, and the all-time leading scorer. With a career that has seen him play for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and LA Lakers, LeBron James’ longevity is unprecedented in the modern era of professional sports.
In interviews throughout his career, LeBron James has frequently mentioned one of his ultimate goals – to play in the NBA with his son, Bronny James. This dream was always on his mind, even as he won titles and shattered records. He stated that playing with Bronny would be the only reason to push beyond a certain point in his career. Now as he nears his 40th birthday, there has been growing speculation about when LeBron James might retire. Some analysts and fans believe that after fulfilling his wish of playing alongside Bronny, LeBron James might consider hanging up his sneakers within the next few years, marking the end of a spectacular career.
Bronny James has faced immense pressure as the son of LeBron James, growing up in the public eye and with enormous expectations placed on him. Yet, Bronny has carved his own path, emerging as a talented basketball player in his own right. He became a standout high school player at Sierra Canyon, known for his exceptional skills, basketball IQ, and ability to handle high-pressure situations. Despite suffering a medical scare in 2023 due to a cardiac issue, Bronny made a full recovery, returning stronger and more determined than ever.
Bronny entered the 2024 NBA Draft, and after much anticipation, he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers, the team where his father has played since 2018. The LA Lakers, known for their winning culture and championship aspirations, felt like the perfect fit for Bronny. His selection marked a historical moment as the first time a father-son duo would play for the same NBA team. The excitement surrounding this achievement was palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the day LeBron and Bronny would share the court together.
It’s exceptionally rare for a parent to play professionally alongside their child in any sport. There have been a few examples in baseball, like Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., but such occurrences are virtually unheard of in the NBA. The opportunity to witness a father and son not only in the same league but on the same team is a truly special moment in sports history.
LeBron James has achieved more than most athletes could ever dream of – four championships, MVP awards, Olympic gold medals, and scoring records. However, playing with his son Bronny is a personal victory that might rank highest among his many accomplishments. Now that they are both playing for the Lakers, LeBron’s career has reached a new emotional peak. After so many years of hard work and dedication, LeBron James has the privilege of sharing this experience with his son.
As LeBron James approaches the twilight of his career, speculation about his retirement has intensified. At 39, with his body having logged countless hours on the court, he remains highly effective but knows that the end is in sight. The chance to play with Bronny is a dream come true, and now that this milestone has been reached, LeBron James might soon feel it is time to step away from the game he has dominated for so long.
If LeBron James were to retire in the next few years, his legacy would be cemented as one of the greatest basketball players ever. His impact on the game transcends his stats and titles, as he’s also been a role model for younger players, including Bronny. For fans of the game, seeing the James family make history together is a fitting culmination to LeBron’s storied career.
LeBron James’ dream of playing professional basketball with his son has become a reality with the LA Lakers. Bronny’s rise to the NBA, and LeBron’s willingness to continue his career to share this experience, has made for a heartwarming story. While LeBron may soon consider retirement, he’s already achieved more than anyone could have imagined—both on the court and within his family.
LeBron James and son Bronny share special moments during Lakers media day