Like Father, Like Son?
Comparing Bronny James' and LeBron James' golf swings
Harry How
Last week, LeBron James, 39, and Bronny James, 20, made basketball history, becoming the first father-son duo to take the court at the same time in an NBA game. Since then, the former McDonald’s All-American hasn’t played a minute for the 3-1 Lakers, with reports suggesting he will ‘likely’ be sent down to the G League following Wednesday’s emotional James family homecoming in Cleveland.
Needless to say, it doesn't seem like King James will be relinquishing his crown to his son anytime soon, but there is still one sport where Bronny reigns supreme over his old man:
Golf.
Over the years, we’ve shared a handful of videos of the James boys trying the NBA's hottest new pastime. We even went as far as to call Bronny’s move “pretty decent” in 2018, and by the following year, it was even better.
OK, so "pretty decent" in relativity, but with a few swing changes and some regular saddle time, Bronny looks capable of breaking 90 in short order. Lord knows, the athletic pedigree is there. Unfortunately, that ship may have sailed for dear old dad, who was blessed with prodigious size, power, speed and skill everywhere EXCEPT the golf course. Watch and weep.
Their takeaways somewhat resemble each other's, but the similarities end there. Bronny swings it like most inexperienced-but-naturally-athletic 20-year-olds: A bit long and loopy but with enough of clubhead speed to make up for some of the upstream inefficiencies. LeBron's swing, by comparison, looks like a mid-pack performer at a senior ladies' member-guest. Chase it up there, King!
So there you have it. Score the first bucket of the season for Bronny, but don't get too carried away. He’s still got a long way to go if he wants to earn the title of best golfer on the Lakers.