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Not to sound like a broken record, but have I said how awesome sports are? Time and time again, sports strike our heart-strings, lacrimal glands, and they can strike us directly to the soul. Rather it's a moment, achievement, or battle- we are sure to be blessed by the art of sport. I'm a sucker for the moments. One of my favorite moments to occur in sports is seeing family members cash in on their dreams together. Brothers playing on the same team; or even against each other in the same game. Brothers head coaching against one another in the Super Bowl. Parents having split-custom jerseys to support multiple kids... and of course the rare father-son duo.
Family affairs! We have seen that in an abundance; mostly in the 21st-century. Currently across the Big-4, there is more than SIXTY brother pairings with the NHL having over 30, with more coming up in the farm. It's becoming more common with evolution. It's super awesome seeing the pairings multiply every couple of years. High-level family skill at that. As cool as brother pairings are, for me, nothing tops the father-son on the same team narrative. Nothing tops the Griffeys sharing two-thirds of the outfield together. Nothing tops the Earnhardts rippin' up the track together. Bobby and Barry Bonds showing the Giants how to hit on the daily. Endless promotion. Endless smiles. Now we have it happening again... this time on the hardwood.
Many of you already read or have heard how I feel regarding the Lakers decisions this off-season. The decision to even make the whole father-son thing happen. I will shelf those opinions and feelings. That's not what this piece is about. This is about the beauty of sports. For me, that always comes first. Unlike the corporate ESPN heads and other two-face members of sports media; I am a full-blooded fan of sports. If I make a take that a player won't have a good career, and they go and prove me wrong... I don't coward away; I'm happy it happened! It's another good player for that league and that player proved his doubters wrong. I live for that. In this case with the Lakers, I have a take that they will suffer in the future, but that doesn't mean that I am not soooo pumped as a sports fan to experience a true father-son duo in the Big-4 again. It's awesome. For just the 2nd time in history, we could see a father-son duo under the same lights, at the same time.
That's right, if and when the Lakers check both James in the game, it would mark just the second time in Big-4 history a father and son played in the same game together, at the same time. Joining Ken Griffey and Junior, who played together in 51 games over the 1990 and 1991 seasons for the Seattle Mariners (only father-son pair to hit back-to-back homers). The Howes (Gordie; Mark; Marty) aren't eligible as they played for the Houston Aeros of the WHA; not the NHL. Still legendary too, no doubt. Both James being checked in is bound to happen in '25; even if it's the final seconds of a regular-season game (Bronny will be assigned to the G-League). That's going to be one special moment. Haters can hate; true sports fans love this (unless you're an OG Lakers fan, ha!).
It's easy to point and say "Bronny got here due to his father". Sure, go ahead. The bottom line? This young cat put the work in and is prepped to enhance that work to stay in the NBA and possibly develop to beyond just keeping his place. Bronny overcame a congenital heart defect that caused a cardiac arrest and forced heart surgery. Year later he hears his name called at the NBA Draft. Show some morals and understand how great that is. I applaud it; his last name didn't push him to keep fighting for everything he had worked for and dreamt for. Bronny pushes himself.
Would I have liked Bronny to wait out the process and keep developing with a NCAA staff? Sure, but his options were Andy Enfield or the transfer portal for another reboot. Not an Izzo, Hurley, or Bill Self. Instead, Bronny chooses a mediocre professional staff (South Bay Lakers) and the resources from his father to further his development... annnnd will soon be paid the racks (absurd I know). I don't fault his route or decisions one bit. He had a chance to make his dream of playing with his father come true- and took it. To play inside and for one of the most recognized and prestigious franchises at that. Good for him. I loved the interview LeBron did with Dave McMenamin, here is a snippet of LeBron speaking on Bronny's ability to overcome the attention and critics:
video via @mcten//X
People may have their opinions on LeBron James, but this is wholesome. LeBron's longevity is really what made this possible as he is just the 5th player ever to play in 21 seasons, and will tie Vince Carter at 22 this upcoming campaign. Bronny's work ethic and quest is the other part of the equation. We don't know when or if this will happen again. I will take the time to cherish it. Father-son duo is too wholesome to degrade. Earnhardt. Griffey. James. Gotta love sports and all of it's wonderful moving parts. All of their wonderful moments. The James may have some rare father and son time in the near future! Cheers to sports.
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