LeBron James & Bronny's First NBA Moment: An Ultimate Guide to Collecting Essential Father and Son Rookie Cards
Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA legend LeBron James, is making his NBA debut tonight and although he has been under the spotlight since his early days in both high school and college, his journey to the NBA has been shaped by the immense pressure of living up to the James family name.
Although his college career was briefly delayed by a health scare, which raised concerns about his potential future, Bronny recovered and continued on his pathway toward the NBA. Now, as he makes his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers, playing alongside his father, the experience is both nostalgic and historic. It's the first time an active NBA player has shared the professional court with his son, marking a unique moment in both the league's history as well as that of the storied Los Angeles Lakers.
As the younger James embarks on his rookie season, comparisons to his father are inevitable, but Bronny’s focus on defense, decision-making, and team play is what sets him apart. He may not be the transcendent scorer that his father is, but his steady development and growing reputation as a solid contributor offers immense promise.
With that said, and given their expected presence at tonight’s Los Angeles Laker’s game, I wanted to examine one of the most well-known father-son tandems in sports history, which comes from Major League Baseball and that is of course the father-son tandem of Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr.
The Griffey duo made history by playing together on the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and 1991, becoming the first father-son pair to appear in the same MLB game. Unlike Bronny and LeBron, who are on vastly different ends of their careers, Ken Griffey Sr. was still an active and productive player, while Ken Griffey Jr. was just beginning his legendary career. They even hit back-to-back home runs in one game, a rare moment that cemented their place in the annals of sports history.
Bronny and LeBron’s pairing might draw similar comparisons, but the two have very different career trajectories. While LeBron’s career has been nothing short of legendary, with four NBA championships, countless MVPs, and a near-unanimous place among the greatest athletes in history, Bronny’s NBA journey is just beginning. If his defensive and playmaking skills continue to develop, he could carve out his own niche in the league as a valuable contributor. However, Bronny’s career path doesn’t necessarily need to mirror his father’s to be successful. Instead, he can become an impactful player in his own right, even if his legacy is tied to his father's enormous shadow.
Tonight’s debut of Bronny and LeBron brings something new to the table for fans and collectors alike, and that is a rare opportunity for both to witness a once-in-a-lifetime connection on the court, and it is that connection which leads me to highlight the essential cards of Bronny and LeBron as well as Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr.
Each of these iconic players Bronny James, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Ken Griffey Sr. have essential trading cards that collectors seek to own. Here's a breakdown of the must-have cards for each:
Bronny James:
1. 2022 Bowman Chrome University 1st Bowman Card – This card is from Bronny’s pre-NBA days, making it one of the first official cards available for collectors. Refractor parallels (such as Silver, Gold, and numbered versions) are particularly valuable.
2. 2023 Topps Chrome McDonald’s All-American Autograph Card – Another early card featuring Bronny as a high school star. Cards with his autograph are sought-after and limited versions command higher prices.
3. 2023 Bowman Next Victor Wembanyama and Bronny James Dual Autograph – A unique card that pairs Bronny with fellow basketball prodigy Victor Wembanyama. This dual autograph card is a rare and exciting piece for collectors.
LeBron James:
1. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Auto (#/99) – Considered one of the Holy Grails of modern basketball cards, this card features a patch, autograph, and a limited print run. It’s the crown jewel of LeBron’s rookie cards.
2. 2003-04 Topps Chrome Rookie Card (#111) – One of the most recognizable LeBron rookie cards, the Topps Chrome is a classic with various refractor parallels that hold high value, especially in top condition.
3. 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Rookie Auto (#/250) – This card combines LeBron’s rookie status with an on-card autograph, making it a premium card for any collection.
Ken Griffey Jr.:
1. 1989 Upper Deck Rookie Card (#1) – Arguably the most iconic card of the late '80s and early '90s, Griffey’s Upper Deck rookie card is a must-have for any baseball collector. Gem Mint versions can fetch high prices. (Although some collectors may argue that this isn’t his true Rookie Card).
2. 1993 SP Foil Card – Though not a rookie, this card is one of Griffey’s most sought-after from the early '90s. Its condition-sensitive foil design makes high-grade versions especially valuable.
3. 1989 Bowman Tiffany Rookie Card – Another important Griffey rookie card, the Bowman Tiffany set was a premium version, making it more valuable than the standard issue.
Ken Griffey Sr.:
1. 1974 Topps Rookie Card (#598) – Griffey Sr.'s rookie card is essential for any collection. While not as valuable as Jr.’s, it represents the beginning of the Griffey legacy.
2. 1982 Topps Traded Card (#87T) – This card came from his time with the Yankees and remains a popular collectible from his career.
3. 1991 Topps Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. Dual Card (#392) – This card features both father and son, making it a perfect collectible for those who want to honor the Griffey family legacy.
For collectors who are looking to invest in sports tandems like LeBron and Bronny James or even Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., each player offers key cards that represent pivotal moments in their careers. Owning these cards connects collectors to the legacy of these iconic father-son duos in basketball and baseball history. Whether you’re after rookie cards, autographs, or rare inserts, these cards are the essential foundation for any serious collection.
Bio: Matt Schilling, a lifelong sportscard collector and a proud graduate of Towson University (Class of 2006) who currently resides in Queens, New York, is one of the newest contributing authors to the Collectibles segment now featured on http://SI.com