Bronny James has officially joined the Los Angeles Lakers and will be wearing No. 9 during his rookie year, making history alongside his father, LeBron James. The Lakers selected Bronny with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft after his one season at USC, making them the first active father-son duo in the NBA.

In a statement released after his selection, Bronny expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to play with the Lakers and alongside his legendary father. “It’s a dream come true to play for the Lakers and to share the court with my dad. I’m ready to work hard, learn, and contribute to the team in any way I can,” Bronny said.

Number Nine: Bronny James. pic.twitter.com/I91YjMEXAZ

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 28, 2024

The Lakers also announced that Dalton Knecht, their first-round pick at No. 17 from Tennessee, will wear No. 4. Bronny is the first Laker to don No. 9 since Sterling Brown in the 2022-23 season and follows in the footsteps of former four-time All-Star Rajon Rondo, who wore the number during the Lakers’ championship-winning season in 2020.

Bronny’s freshman season at USC was marked by some inconsistency as he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 36.6 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from three. His season was also delayed due to a heart procedure, but he showed significant improvement during the pre-draft process, particularly with his shooting at the NBA draft combine.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka highlighted the historic significance of Bronny joining the team. “We know, and have to respect of course, that LeBron has a decision on his opt-out … but if it worked out that he was on our team next season, NBA history could be made,” Pelinka said, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “And NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform.”

LeBron James has yet to decide on his $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, but there is speculation that he may return to play alongside his son.

Bronny’s journey with the Lakers will begin with the California Classic Summer League, where Los Angeles is set to play its first game on July 6. As Bronny embarks on his NBA career, fans eagerly anticipate the potential for historic moments shared between father and son on the court.