The National Basketball Association (NBA) is known for its remarkable players, iconic moments, and records that transcend generations. One such record involves family legacies in the league, especially father-son duos. Throughout NBA history, we've seen many talented players follow in their fathers' footsteps, contributing to the league's rich heritage.
Recently, the basketball world was abuzz as the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James, the eldest son of LeBron James, with the 55th pick in the second round of the NBA Draft on June 28, 2024 Philippine Standard Time.
This selection not only excited Lakers fans but also fueled the anticipation of what could be a groundbreaking moment in NBA history—LeBron and Bronny potentially playing together on the same court. If this happens, it will be the first time in NBA history that a father and son have suited up for the same team and played together in a regular-season game.
While the James family is on the verge of creating a unique father-son moment in NBA history, there have already been numerous father-son duos who have left their marks on the league. Many of these pairs have accumulated impressive point totals across their respective careers, cementing their names in the annals of basketball history.
Let's take a look at the five father-son duos with the most points in NBA history.
Joe Bryant was a versatile player during his eight-year NBA career, scoring a total of 5,252 points while playing for three different teams—the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets. Joe's career was solid but relatively modest compared to his legendary son, Kobe Bryant.
(1995) 16-year-old Kobe and his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant 📸 pic.twitter.com/zbG4Ieu53E
— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) November 9, 2022
Kobe, a 20-year NBA veteran and a Los Angeles Lakers icon, scored 33,643 points during his illustrious career. Kobe's scoring prowess, clutch performances, and "Mamba Mentality" made him one of the most admired and feared players in NBA history. Together, Joe and Kobe amassed a combined total of 38,895 points, making them the highest-scoring father-son duo in NBA history.
Kobe’s legacy extends far beyond his points total, as he became synonymous with greatness and inspired a generation of basketball players, including his daughters, one of whom was following in his footsteps before their tragic passing. The Bryant duo's combined impact on the NBA is unparalleled, and it will be a long time before another father-son duo comes close to surpassing their combined point total.
Dell Curry was one of the most consistent shooters of his era, scoring 12,670 points over a 16-year NBA career. Known for his sharp shooting from beyond the arc, Dell played for several teams, most notably the Charlotte Hornets, where he established himself as a fan favorite.
However, Dell's son, Stephen Curry, has taken the art of shooting to unprecedented levels. Widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, Steph has revolutionized the game with his long-range shooting, amassing 23,668 points (and counting) over his ongoing career with the Golden State Warriors. Steph's ability to make shots from anywhere on the court, combined with his exceptional ball-handling and playmaking skills, has changed the way basketball is played today.
Together, Dell and Steph have scored a combined 36,338 points, putting them second on the list of father-son duos with the most points. As Steph continues to play and add to his total, there’s a good chance that the Currys could overtake the Bryants at the top of this list in the near future.
Mychal Thompson, the father of Klay Thompson, had a highly successful NBA career, scoring 12,810 points. A solid two-way player, Mychal was known for his defensive prowess and rebounding ability. He won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers during the "Showtime" era, further cementing his legacy.
His son, Klay, has made his mark as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. Klay's smooth shooting stroke and ability to perform in high-pressure situations have led him to score 15,531 points thus far in his career with the Golden State Warriors. Like his father, Klay is a champion, having won multiple NBA titles with the Warriors alongside Stephen Curry.
Combined, Mychal and Klay have scored 28,341 points, making them the third-highest-scoring father-son duo in NBA history. As Klay continues to add to his total, their combined points will undoubtedly grow, solidifying their place as one of the NBA’s most productive family duos.
Dolph Schayes, a Hall of Famer, was one of the NBA's early stars, scoring 18,438 points during his career, which spanned from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. Known for his dominant post play and scoring ability, Dolph was a 12-time All-Star and one of the greatest players of his generation.
His son, Danny Schayes, also enjoyed a lengthy NBA career, scoring 8,780 points over 18 seasons. While Danny didn't quite reach the heights of his father's career, he was a dependable center and a solid contributor for several teams.
Together, Dolph and Danny Schayes scored a combined 27,218 points, placing them fourth on the list of father-son duos with the most points. Their legacy in the NBA spans generations, and they remain one of the league's most respected family pairs.
Rick Barry was one of the most skilled scorers in NBA history, known for his deadly accuracy and unique underhand free-throw shooting technique. Rick scored 18,395 points during his Hall of Fame career and was a key figure in leading the Golden State Warriors to an NBA championship in 1975.
Rick's son, Brent Barry, was a high-flying guard known for his three-point shooting and athleticism. Brent scored 8,488 points during his career and won two NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs. Together, Rick and Brent Barry amassed a combined total of 26,883 points, placing them fifth on the list of father-son duos with the most points.
While these father-son duos have left a significant mark on NBA history, the James family has the potential to add a new chapter to the story. If LeBron and Bronny James take the court together, they would not only set a new precedent for father-son relationships in the NBA but also contribute significantly to the league's ongoing narrative of family legacies.
LeBron's all-time leading scorer status gives them a head start, and if Bronny can carve out his own successful NBA career, the James duo could one day challenge for a spot on this prestigious list.
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