Speculation is rising that Bronny James, the older son of basketball icon LeBron James, might choose to wear the number 9 jersey to pay homage to his father should he be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Insiders close to the James family reveal that Bronny holds great admiration for his father and is motivated by his remarkable NBA achievements. Opting for the number 9 jersey would symbolize Bronny’s respect for his father’s contributions to the sport and his desire to continue the James family’s NBA legacy.
LeBron James is best known for wearing the number 23 jersey throughout his celebrated career, though he originally donned the number 6—a number subsequently retired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in recognition of his impact. The number 9, however, is particularly meaningful for the James family, because it was worn by LeBron’s grandfather, Fred James, during his military service.
Bronny James, a top prospect in high school basketball, has already caught the attention of NBA scouts and enthusiasts. At just 16 years old, he’s often compared to his father for his skills and dedication to basketball, sparking discussion about his potential to rise to stardom.
Should Bronny indeed choose the number 9 jersey with the Lakers, it would be a memorable homage to his great-grandfather and signify a poignant moment for the James family. Yet, whether Bronny will be picked by the Lakers and if he will select the number 9 remains uncertain at this point.
As the NBA draft approaches, fans and analysts alike can only wonder and anticipate Bronny James’s next moves. Regardless, one thing remains certain: the influence of the James family on the world of basketball continues unabated.