The son of superstar LeBron James has been drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. Will he soon be making the historic appearance his father has wanted for years?
Father and son James could soon be making basketball history with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Californians selected LeBron James’ son Bronny (19) with the 55th pick in the second round of the NBA Draft on Friday night. For the first time, a father-son duo could be on the court in the best league in the world. Father LeBron has played for the Lakers since 2018 and is still one of the best basketball players in the world at the age of 39.
“Legacy” wrote LeBron senior in capital letters on Instagram after choosing his son. The superstar posted a photo together with Bronny as a child. LeBron James has often cited playing with his son in the NBA before the end of his career as a major goal. “This is a historic moment,” said Lakers legend Magic Johnson.
Bronny still has to recommend himself for a place on the squad
The 19-year-old Bronny collapsed in July last year due to a cardiac arrest and was taken to hospital. He was allowed to leave the hospital a few days later, having been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. James-Junior then returned to college basketball in December, but did not play a very good season.
It was therefore unclear whether young James would even be selected. The junior will therefore still have to recommend himself for a permanent place on the Lakers’ squad.
Hukporti as last draft pick to the Knicks
The second round also brought positive news from a German perspective. After Tristan da Silva was drafted in round one on Thursday night, the second German basketball talent followed in the person of Ariel Hukporti. With the 58th and final pick of the second draft round, the New York Knicks secured the services of the 2.13-meter-tall professional. The center, who was born in Stralsund in 2002, moved to Ludwigsburg in the spring after spending the previous season in Australia.
Hukporti has shone as a strong rebounder and defender, but his offensive game is still quite raw. The Knicks may be preparing for the possible departure of Isaiah Hartenstein with the Hukporti pick, who could get a payday from another team after a strong season in free agency. Hukporti could – if he makes the final roster – act as a backup center behind Mitchell Robinson and Jericho Sims.
