Bronny James jersey number confirmed as LeBron's son makes change after joining Lakers

LeBron James' son Bronny will wear the No. 9 jersey for the Los Angeles Lakers next season, in what will be his rookie year.

The Lakers announced the news on social media and also confirmed that Bronny will have 'James Jr.' printed on his back, distinguishing himself from his father. Bronny wore No. 6 at USC and is also a fan of the No. 0, due to his favorite NBA player being Russell Westbrook.

Bronny and LeBron instantly became the first active father-and-son duo in NBA history, and are expected to share the court next season. "NBA history could be made next season, and should be made in a Lakers uniform," said Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka after Bronny was drafted.

The Lakers used its 55th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft to select Bronny, after his agent, Rich Paul, made it clear to teams that the 19-year-old was destined to play for one team. Although the storyline was set, and the Lakers knew that LeBron was desperate to play with Bronny before retiring, the GM said that the USC product was selected based on merit.

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"He is a person of high character and someone who works incredibly hard," said Pelinka. "He has the quality we look for in drafting players and adding to our development (program)."

After the selection was confirmed, LeBron broke his silence in a brief but clear message. "LEGACY!!!!!!" said James via Instagram. Since LeBron admitted his intentions to play with Bronny back in 2022, all eyes were on the young prospect, how he would perform in college, and whether he was of NBA quality.

"I need to be on the floor with my boy, I got to be on the floor with Bronny," James said to ESPN. Either in the same uniform or a matchup against him. But I would love to do the whole Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. thing. That would be ideal for sure."

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For the plan to work, LeBron had to still be playing whenever Bronny was ready to declare, but he's still playing at championship level aged 39. The major threat came when Bronny suffered a shock cardiac arrest, putting his basketball career on hold.

After committing to USC, Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest during a basketball workout which was caused by a congenital heart defect, a family spokeswoman said. The incident happened just 10 months ago, and miraculously Bronny has managed to make a full recovery and earn a second-round selection in the NBA Draft.

In Bronny's first, and only season at USC, he started just six games, averaging 4.8 points, 2.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds. Bronny's playing style has been compared to Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday, following a Bleacher Report analysis.