NBA: Basketball is a sport in which talent sometimes runs in the family, and the NBA has had its fair share of incredible father-son combinations who have made an indelible mark in the sport. While LeBron James’ dream of playing alongside his son Bronny came true in 2024 when Bronny was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, it was just one dream made into reality.
The James family did what many great families in NBA history had done: see some of the league’s greatest talents pass the basketball torch from one generation to the next.
Most notable father-son combinations in NBA history
LeBron James and Bronny James
LeBron James had been speaking publicly about wanting to play alongside his son, Bronny, in the NBA for many years. That became a reality in 2024 when the Los Angeles Lakers took Bronny with the 55th overall pick in the NBA Draft. This marked history when the father-son duo shared the court for a regular season game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in November 2024, marking the first time that both of them played together in an NBA game.
As for LeBron and Bronny, they previously played together during a preseason game against the Phoenix Suns. That feat recalled another legendary father-son combination, Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr., who had played together in Major League Baseball with the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and 1991.
Dell Curry, Stephen Curry, and Seth Curry
Dell Curry shot his way out of Charlotte, N.C., playing for 16 seasons in the NBA and was an important part of the Charlotte Hornets franchise. Throughout his professional career, he received the Sixth Man of the Year in 1993-94. Known for his shooting threes, he bequeathed his gift to both sons: Stephen and Seth Curry. Stephen Curry, one of the best shooters in the history of the NBA, invented an innovative style with unmatched range and accuracy.
He has won four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors and is the league’s all-time leader in three-pointers made. But not as renowned as his older brother, Seth Curry has also etched out a niche for himself as a reliable shooter these days for the Charlotte Hornets, donning his father’s old No. 30.
Joe Bryant and Kobe Bryant
Kobe’s father, Joe Bryant, had an accomplished NBA career: eight seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Diego Clippers, playing in the 1977 NBA Finals. He also spent several years playing overseas. His son, Kobe, is one of the most notable players to have ever set foot on an NBA court, spending 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe collected five championships and many more accolades, including 18 All-Star appearances. His father’s influence and basketball lineage were certainly factors in his career.
Rick Barry and Brent Barry
Rick Barry was a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest in NBA history. He played in the NBA and also in the ABA, winning an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors. Rick is also famous for his underhand free throws. Rick became one of the most successful scorers and was, during his career, a six-time member of the All-NBA team.
His son, Brent Barry, continues to have a reliable NBA career. As his father, Brent is known for his shooting skills and athleticism. He won two championships with the San Antonio Spurs. His great contribution helped the team win its titles in 2005 and 2007.
Mychal Thompson and Klay Thompson
Mychal Thompson made history in 1978 as the first foreign-born player ever chosen No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft. He played eight years in the league, winning two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. Mychal’s son would later become one of the best shooters in NBA history, with five All-Star selections and four championships with the Golden State Warriors. Klay has always been a great shooter, and the quick release and a three-point range were the assets he inherited from his father’s playing days in the NBA.
Tim Hardaway and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway is one of the finest deadly point guards of the 1990s due to his “killer crossover” dribble. A five-time All-Star player, Hardaway had a very successful career with the Golden State Warriors and with the Miami Heat among others. His son, Tim Hardaway Jr., carved out his own NBA career, averaging double-digit points in most seasons. Even though he has not even seen near the level of fame as his father, Tim Jr. has become a stellar consistent offensive contributor for the teams he played for.
Bill Walton and Luke Walton
Bill Walton’s basketball career is epic – two NBA championships and an MVP award. A dominant center who excelled in passing and rebounding, Walton was a stalwart on both the Portland Trail Blazers and the Boston Celtics, winning championships with each team.
His son, Luke Walton, followed in his footsteps, playing a solid 10 years in the NBA, most notably as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won two championships as a reserve player. Luke later transitioned to coaching, taking on roles with the Sacramento Kings and other teams.
Gary Payton and Gary Payton II
Gary Payton, also known as “The Glove,” was one of the greatest in the history of the league based on defenses; he took home the Defensive Player of the Year award in 1996. During his 17-year career with nine All-Star appearances, he led the Miami Heat to an NBA title in 2006. Though not as celebrated as his father, Gary Payton II has already gained recognition, much like his dad, for his excellent defense.
Payton II played an important role in the Golden State Warriors 2022 championship, where he significantly contributed to their defense and has been credited with securing the title for the team.
Arvydas Sabonis and Domantas Sabonis
Through his seven years in the league, Arvydas Sabonis proved to be one of the most skilled centers in the NBA, known more for passing than for post moves. His son, Domantas Sabonis, followed the same pattern in building a similar stellar career, earning three All-Star selections and becoming one of the league’s top big men. Versatile forward Domantas Sabonis has an uncanny ability to rebound, playmaker, and think the game like his father, using that basketball IQ and court vision.
But perhaps most importantly, the legacy of these families continues to shape the NBA. The father-son duos continued to show the world that talent truly runs in the family, from LeBron and Bronny James to the Curry brothers. Whether it’s passing on skills, techniques, or quality leadership, this crop of players has left forever their own mark on basketball. As the next generation of NBA stars rises, we might continue to see the torch passed from one legendary player to another, proving that in basketball, greatness often runs in the family.
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