LeBron’s the Oldest on the Lakers – The Youngest Is Half His Age… And You Know Him!

When LeBron James laced up for his 22nd NBA season this summer, he cemented his legacy not only as one of the greatest to ever do it—but also as the oldest player on the Los Angeles Lakers roster. At 40 years old, LeBron is nearly twice the age of the team’s youngest member. And here’s the kicker: the youngest Laker is someone you’ve seen before… on and off the court.

So who is the kid turning heads at training camp, making waves in the media, and sharing highlight reels with the King himself?

It’s his son – Bronny James.

That’s right. LeBron James Jr., better known as Bronny, is now officially a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. At just 19 years old, Bronny is exactly half LeBron’s age, making them the first father-son duo in NBA history to play together on the same team—a moment that has sports fans and pop culture watchers equally stunned.

And it’s not just a gimmick. Sources inside the Lakers organization confirm: Bronny’s earned his spot.

The Age Gap That Shook the League

In the long and storied history of the NBA, we’ve seen legends pass the torch. We’ve seen brothers play together. We’ve even witnessed iconic rivalries that span generations. But never before have we seen a 40-year-old former MVP suit up next to his own flesh and blood in the same jersey.

LeBron, born in 1984, entered the league in 2003 when Michael Jordan was still playing for the Washington Wizards. Now, in 2025, he’s sharing a locker room with players born after his second NBA Finals appearance.

And Bronny James, born in 2004, is barely old enough to remember his father’s Miami Heat championships—let alone the 2007 NBA Finals against the Spurs.

The 21-year age difference between father and son is the largest in NBA team history. According to Elias Sports Bureau, the next closest were Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. in MLB, who overlapped for the Seattle Mariners in 1990—though even they only shared the field briefly. LeBron and Bronny are expected to play a full season together.

Viral Reactions, Media Frenzy

When the Lakers announced Bronny’s official signing on July 1st, the internet exploded. The phrase “LeBron and Bronny” trended globally on X (formerly Twitter), and clips of their first joint Summer League practice racked up over 30 million views in under 24 hours.

“Man, this is surreal,” LeBron said during media day. “I dreamed of this moment, but now that it’s real… It’s bigger than basketball.”

Even non-sports outlets like TMZ, People Magazine, and GQ have jumped on the story. “A King and His Prince,” one headline read. Another simply said: “History. Period.“

Bronny’s Path to the Lakers: Not Just a Legacy Pick

Critics initially claimed Bronny’s draft selection was based more on genetics than game. But insiders say otherwise.

According to Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, “Bronny earned his place here. He had one of the most impressive defensive ratings in the Pac-12 last season, and he showed poise beyond his years at the Combine.”

Bronny was selected 55th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, but what he lacked in draft position he made up for in impact. His explosive defense, court vision, and off-ball IQ quickly convinced Lakers brass that he wasn’t just a novelty act.

“Bronny’s game is built for the modern NBA,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “He’s not LeBron, and he’s not trying to be. But he understands the game like someone who’s been around elite competition his whole life—which he has.”

Behind the Scenes: Fatherhood Meets Teammateship

While fans are captivated by the on-court chemistry, the dynamic behind closed doors is even more intriguing.

Sources close to the team describe a unique balance between “teammateship and fatherhood.” One Lakers staffer told The Athletic:

“LeBron’s harder on Bronny than anyone. But he also defends him like a lion.”

In a now-viral clip from Lakers practice, LeBron can be heard yelling, “Stay locked in, ‘cause they won’t cut you slack just ‘cause you’re my son!”

Bronny’s response? A quiet nod. No words. Just hustle. And then a step-back three in Austin Reaves’ face.

That clip alone has generated over 8.7 million likes on TikTok.

Can They Actually Win Together?

Sure, the Lakers aren’t just chasing headlines or riding on sentiment. This is still a franchise that plays for banners, not just buzz. With Anthony Davis anchoring the defense, Austin Reaves providing consistency and spark, and now rookie phenom Bronny James injecting youth and intrigue, the team has genuine depth.

Behind the scenes, the front office is all in — betting that LeBron James, even in Year 22, still has enough in the tank to contend for another title. His leadership, experience, and unmatched basketball IQ remain invaluable assets.

Analysts are divided. Some see a deep playoff run, others predict a first-round exit. But what can’t be measured is the emotional charge of this moment — father and son sharing the NBA stage, possibly making history with every possession. “Energy matters,” said Magic Johnson on NBA Today. “And you can feel the electricity in that building when they’re both on the floor.”

With so much at stake — legacy, history, and the rare magic of family — this could be the kind of story that defies logic and lives forever.

What This Means for LeBron’s Legacy

For a man whose career has already spanned two decades, four championships, and over 39,000 career points, playing alongside his son might be LeBron’s greatest legacy moment yet.

“This was never about stats for me,” LeBron said. “It’s about moments. Memories. And now I get to share the NBA floor with my son? That’s the pinnacle.”

Basketball historians are already dubbing this the “Legacy Season”—and regardless of how the Lakers finish, the moment Bronny lobs it to LeBron for a reverse slam will be immortalized in NBA lore.

The Future of the Lakers Starts Now

As the 2025–26 NBA season approaches, fans will be watching not just for wins and losses—but for history being written in real time.

LeBron James, the oldest active player in the league, is now teammates with Bronny James, the youngest on the Lakers roster. Two generations. One dream. Same jersey.

So yes—LeBron’s the oldest on the Lakers… but the youngest is half his age. And you definitely know him.