The NBA league has seen many fathers and sons reach its ranks, but LeBron James and his son, Bronny, have carved out a historic first: playing as teammates for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bronny was selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, fulfilling LeBron’s long-standing wish to share the court with his son.
Bronny’s rookie season came with heavy expectations. He played 27 games with the Lakers, averaging 2.3 points per game amid sharp public scrutiny. Yet in the G League with South Bay, he showed flashes of his potential—posting 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists over 11 games.
Latest father-son duo LeBron and Bronny
For LeBron, sharing the floor with his son, he said, was his greatest achievement. Together, they’ve already passed Kobe and Joe Bryant as the NBA’s highest-scoring father-son duo.
The Jameses are part of a rich tradition. Other families have left their mark, each with a unique story.
LeBron and Bronny James step in the court together in the second quarter! 🏀#NBA #LeBronJames #BronnyJames #Lakers #KingJames #basketball pic.twitter.com/tGjeagloZL
— EssentiallySports (@ES_sportsnews) October 23, 2024
Beyond the James family, the NBA has featured many other notable father-son pairings
The Curry family is particularly prominent
Dell Curry laid the foundation for a basketball dynasty. Known for his shooting touch, he passed that on to his sons: Seth, a reliable role player, and Stephen, who revolutionized the game.
With two MVPs and a mountain of three-point records, Stephen is widely seen as the best shooter in history. Together, the Currys have outscored both the James and Bryant duos.
CRAZY BUT TRUE: Two Curry family members have led the NBA in 3PT% in their careers, but neither of them are Steph Curry 😳
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) April 16, 2025
His Dad, Dell Curry led the league at 47.6% 3PT in 1999, while Seth Curry finished the 2025 season with an NBA-leading 45.6% 3PT 💦 pic.twitter.com/hIn5TQxxJt
Another distinguished family is the Thompsons, featuring Mychal and Klay Thompson
The Thompson family offers another compelling contrast. Mychal Thompson, a strong, skilled big man, won two championships with the Lakers. His son, Klay, plays a different game – deadly from beyond the arc and a key piece in four Golden State title runs.
Happy Father's Day: @NBA Father-Son Duo: Mychal Thompson (2-time @NBA champ, @Lakers) & Klay Thompson (2-time @NBA champ, @warriors) pic.twitter.com/mOnoAcHacv
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) June 18, 2017
Bill Walton, a Hall of Famer, and his son Luke Walton
Then there’s Bill and Luke Walton. Bill, a Hall of Famer whose career was curtailed by injuries, and Luke, a steady role player who won two rings with the Lakers.
Their styles and legacies couldn’t be more different, yet both earned titles.
Bill and Luke Walton pic.twitter.com/WZNBlLQlIT
— Paul Knepper (@paulieknep) December 21, 2024
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant had a respectable NBA career before his son Kobe
Kobe Bryant famously eclipsed his father Joe “Jellybean” Bryant’s NBA career, becoming a five-time champion and global icon. The contrast is striking, yet rooted in shared ambition.
Kobe and his father together at a soccer game in Italy.
— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) July 16, 2024
Rest in peace, Joe Jellybean Bryant. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/fae7jRBxDt
Jaren Jackson Sr. and his son Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jaren Jackson Jr., known for his defense and a recent DPOY award, has surpassed the career of his father, Jaren Sr. Rick Brunson, a former journeyman guard, helped guide his son Jalen to stardom.
Now an All-Star and MVP candidate with the Knicks, Jalen’s rise is a testament to that foundation.
Jaren Jackson Jr. shared a moment with his dad, Jaren Jackson Sr., after helping lead the Grizz to the win in L.A. #GrindCity pic.twitter.com/55UqSkQ6uI
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 24, 2018
Some families, like the Grants-Harvey, Jerami, and Jerian – have produced multiple pros. Jerami stands out as the most accomplished.
Others, like Tim and Tim Hardaway Jr., Larry and Larry Nance Jr., or Gary Payton and Gary Payton II, have passed down signature traits – especially defense.
One rare moment in league history came when Butch van Breda Kolff coached against his son Jan, a player, in the same NBA game – the first such father-son matchup.
In the NBA, family is more than background, it’s part of the game.
READ: Dwight Howard says LeBron James wants Bryce to join Bronny on the Lakers
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
