We all know how great LeBron James is, but what grade is Bronny James in right now and will we ever see him play his father in an NBA game? Although LeBron is currently in his 19th season in the league, he certainly looks like he still has plenty left in the tank at 37 years old.
If his goal is to play with (or against) his son in the NBA, which he has confirmed in the past, then he’ll need to play at least another three years – at which point he’ll be 40 years old. Again, that’s not out of the question right now, especially considering how well he’s playing in 2022.
LeBron James has played in 27 games this season and is averaging 36.9 minutes, 28.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. His son, Bronny James, is still in high school, but is one of the top prospects of his class and already has NBA scouts tuning in.
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So, What Grade Is Bronny James In?
If you’re asking yourself, “What grade is Bronny James in this year?” you’re not alone – it’s a hot topic every single year as we await his arrival to the NBA. In early 2022, he’s a junior at Sierra Canyon High School. When the following school year starts in mid-2022, it’ll be his senior year.
Bronny James is scheduled to graduate in spring 2023 and he’s expected to head straight to college – though he hasn’t declared or committed to a school just yet. As of right now, ESPN has him listed as the 49th-ranked prospect in the 2023 class, but he has ranked higher before.
It’s clear that Bronny James will end up at a respected alma mater and will likely find himself declaring for the NBA Draft after his first season – hopefully his father is still in the league. In the meantime, let’s take a look at some other athletes that followed in their parent’s footsteps.
20. Al Unser Jr.
Al Unser Jr. is the son of Al Unser Sr.. After Al Unser Sr. (also known as Big Al) won the Indy 500 a record-tying four times, his son (also known as Little Al) followed in his footsteps and won it twice. Not only that, but Big Al’s brother, Bobby Unser, won the Indy 500 three times.
Big Al also had another brother, Jerry, that had a career in racing, though he never won the Indy 500. Both Jerry and Bobby had sons that had racing careers. The family is one of the most successful and decorated racing families of all-time. Big Al passed away on Dec. 9, 2021.
19. Giovanni Simeone
Giovanni Simeone is the son of Diego Simeone. In a senior career that spanned from 1987-2006, Diego primarily played for Inter Milan, Atlético Madrid, Lazio, Pisa, Sevilla, and Argentina. In 513 domestic games and 108 national games, Diego scored 95 career goals.
During his time with Atlético Madrid, Diego had a son named Giovanni. Today, Giovanni is a striker for Hellas Verona in Serie A. He has 12 goals and 4 assists in 15 games with the club. At the same time, Diego has been successful as manager of Atlético Madrid for the past 10 years.
18. Michael Andretti
Michael Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti, who won races in NASCAR, Formula One, IndyCar, and the World Sportscar Championship. He’s just one of two racing drivers to do that. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Mario managed to win 109 races in major circuits.
On the other hand, Michael – Mario’s son – is one of the most decorated open-wheel car racing drivers of all-time, having won 42 races and the 1991 IndyCar World Series. Michael now owns Andretti Autosport and his son, Marco Andretti, is currently an IndyCar Series driver.
17. Mick Schumacher
Mick Schumacher is the son of Michael Schumacher, who is one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all-time. He won a record-tying seven World Drivers’ Championships and held a variety of F1 records at the time of his retirement, though some of them were beaten recently.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Mick Schumacher made his Formula One debut in 2021. Though he hasn’t won a race yet, it’s bound to happen eventually. He won the 2018 FIA F3 European Championship and 2020 Formula Two Championship prior to making his F1 debut.
16. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the son of Dale Earnhardt Sr.. Perhaps no other father-son NASCAR duo is more popular and widely-recognized across the world. Earnhardt Sr. enjoyed an illustrious NASCAR career from 1975-2001 until he lost his life in a last-lap car crash.
At the time of his death, Earnhardt Jr. had already won his first NASCAR race. Although he didn’t win as much as his father, he still dominated the NASCAR competition for over 15 years. He’s most known for his success at the Daytona 500, which he won in 2004 and 2014.
15. Charlie Woods
Charlie Woods is the son of Tiger Woods. We all know who Tiger Woods is – one of the greatest and most decorated golfers of all-time. Among his many achievements, Woods is currently tied for first with most wins on the PGA Tour and has the second most major wins.
With 109 professional wins since his debut in 1996, there aren’t many golfers that can match up to what he’s done. Of course, that isn’t going to stop Charlie Woods from following in his father’s footsteps. At just 12 years old, he already looks like the second coming of Tiger – just be patient.
14. Richard Petty
Richard Petty is the son of Lee Petty. Known as one of NASCAR’s first superstars, Lee Petty became the first driver to win three NASCAR Cup titles. He raced 427 times over his 16-year career, accumulating 54 wins, 332 top-tens, and 18 poles. He’s one of the greatest to ever do it.
Speaking of the greatest to ever do it, his son Richard went on to have an even more illustrious career in stock car racing. He completed 1,184 races over a 35-year career, winning 200 times (all-time record) and placing in the top ten 712 times. He won a record-tying seven titles.
13. Thaddeus Moss
Thaddeus Moss is the son of Randy Moss. Throughout his 14-year career in the NFL, Randy Moss had 982 receptions, 15,292 yards, and 156 touchdowns as a receiver. He’s one of the greatest receivers of all-time, ranking second all-time in touchdowns and fourth in yards.
His son, Theaddeus, isn’t a wide receiver, but he does play tight end. He played for NC State and then transferred to LSU. He finished the 2020 season with 47 receptions, 570 yards, and 4 touchdowns – setting LSU records for catches and yards. He’s still waiting for a shot in the NFL.
12. Gary Payton II
Gary Payton II is the son of Gary Payton. During his 17-year career in the NBA, Payton was one of the best defenders of all-time and scored as well as anyone. He’s a nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive, one-time Defensive POY, and Hall-of-Famer.
In 2016, Payton’s son – Gary Payton II – went undrafted, but made his NBA debut that season with the Milwaukee Bucks. He didn’t see a lot of opportunity up until the 2021-22 season, when the Golden State Warriors found a role for him on their team. He continues to fight for minutes.
11. Austin Rivers
Austin Rivers is the son of Doc Rivers. Most people know Doc Rivers as the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers and former head coach of the Magic, Celtics, and Clippers. Before that, he enjoyed a decent 13-year career as a player for the Hawks, Spurs, Clippers, and Knicks.
In 2012, Doc’s son – Austin Rivers – was drafted 10th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans. Although his production hasn’t lived up to the expectations that come with being a lottery pick, he has played a meaningful (yet limited) role on every team he’s been a part of since 2012.
10. Luke Walton
Luke Walton is the son of Bill Walton. After a successful college career under John Wooden at UCLA, Bill Walton was drafted first overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1974. He’s a two-time champion, one-time MVP, one-time Sixth Man of the Year, and two-time All-NBA player.
Although his son, Luke, wasn’t drafted first overall, he was taken in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft. He spent most of his 10-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers before pursuing a coaching career. He most recently served as head coach of the Lakers and Kings.
9. Brett Hull
Brett Hull is the son of Bobby Hull. They’ve won three Stanley Cup titles between the two of them – Bobby won in 1961 and Brett won in 1999 and 2002. Over his 16-year career, Bobby Hull played in 1,036 games, scored 604 goals and dished 549 assists. He’s in the Hall of Fame.
Six years after Bobby retired, Brett Hull made his NHL debut. Over the next 19 years, he played in 744 games, scored 527 goals, and dished 409 assists. Following in his father’s footsteps, Brett Hull was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Their HOF inductions came 26 years apart.
8. Prince Fielder
Prince Fielder is the son of Cecil Fielder. They were both first basemen in the MLB and were both known for their power. Over a 13-year career, Cecil played in 1,470 games and batted .255 with 319 home runs, 1,008 runs batted in, and 744 runs scored. He won the 1996 World Series.
On the other hand, Prince Fielder had a similar career. He played 12 seasons and batted .283 with 319 home runs, 1,028 runs batted in, and 862 runs scored. He won the Home Run Derby twice in his career. The father-son duo retired with the same amount of career home runs.
7. Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr. is the son of Tim Hardaway Sr.. They were both first round draft picks in the NBA – Hardaway Sr. went 14th overall to the Golden State Warriors in 1989 and Hardaway Jr. went 24th overall to the New York Knicks in 2013. Neither of them have won a championship.
Hardaway Sr. spent 13 seasons in the NBA and averaged 35.3 minutes, 17.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Hardaway Jr. is currently in his ninth season in the NBA and averages 13.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 27.1 minutes per game.
6. Ken Griffey Jr.
Ken Griffey Jr. is the son of Ken Giffey Sr.. The father-son duo both played in the MLB and even played on the same team for two seasons. In 1990 and 1991, they were both members of the Seattle Mariners. At the time, Ken Griffey Jr. was just starting to find his groove in the MLB.
Sr. retired from baseball after 19 years of service. Over that time, he hit 152 home runs, 859 runs batted in, and 1,129 runs scored. On the other hand, Jr. retired after 22 years in the league and hit 630 home runs, 1,836 runs batted in, and 1,662 runs scored – he’s in the Hall of Fame.
5. Barry Bonds
Barry Bonds is the son of Bobby Bonds. Most people know the name Barry Bonds because he holds the record for most home runs all-time (762 home runs) and most walks all-time (2,558 walks) – 688 of those walks were intentional, which is also an all-time record in the big leagues.
Five years before Barry Bonds made his MLB debut, his father, Bobby, was putting his 14-year career to an end. He retired in 1981 with 332 home runs, 1,024 runs batted in, and 1,258 runs scored. Between the two of them, they hit 1,094 home runs and well over 3,500 RBIs.
4. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is the son of Joe Bryant. Considered one of the greatest basketball players of all-time, Kobe played 20 seasons in the NBA – all with the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s an 18-time All-Star, five-time champion, one-time MVP, two-time scoring champ, and Hall of Famer.
We all know what Kobe did in the NBA, but many people forget that his father, Joe Bryant, was the 14th overall draft pick in 1975 and spent 8 years in the league. After retiring, he played overseas for several years before pursuing a coaching career. He last coached in 2015.
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the son of Vladimir Guererro Sr.. Throughout his 16-year career in the MLB, Vladimir Guerrero Sr. batted .318 with 449 home runs, 1,496 runs batted in, and 1,328 runs scored. He won the MVP in 2004 and the Home Run Derby in 2007. He’s a Hall-of-Famer.
Eight years after he retired, his son Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made his MLB debut and he has been dominant ever since. He hit 48 home runs in 2021, despite it being just his third season in the league. He holds the record for most home runs in a single round of the Home Run Derby.
2. Steph & Seth Curry
Stephen Curry and Seth Curry are the sons of Dell Curry. Back in 1986, Dell Curry was drafted by the Utah Jazz with the 15th overall pick. He played in 1,083 career games over the course of the next 16 seasons, winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 1993-94.
He retired in 2002, seven years before his son, Stephen Curry, went seventh overall to the Golden State Warriors. Four years after that, Dell saw his other son – Seth Curry – make his NBA debut. Stephen Curry is considered one of the greatest point guards of all-time.
1. Peyton & Eli Manning
Peyton Manning and Eli Manning are the sons of Archie Manning. The stats might not look impressive, but don’t let that fool you – Archie Manning was a hell of a quarterback, but he was on one of the worst teams of all-time. He didn’t achieve much after being drafted second overall.
With that said, his two sons achieved more than most in the NFL. Peyton Manning was drafted first overall in 1998 and is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time. Eli Manning was drafted first overall in 2004 and won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants.
Other Athletic Families Worth Mentioning
All of the athletes above not only inherited their parents’ athletic abilities, but they followed in their footsteps and dominated their respective sport – just like their parents once did. With that being said, there are a lot of other athletic families out there that we didn’t get to mention above.
For example, you can’t forget about the Matthews family, which consisted of Clay Sr, Bruce, Clay Jr, Clay III, Kevin, Jake and Casey – all of which played football. You also have Venus and Serena Williams, Joe, Dom, and Vince DiMaggio, and Shannon and Sterling Sharpe.
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It’s always interesting to see family members succeed in some of the greatest sports leagues in the world. Whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, or any other sport out there, there’s nothing more honorable than sharing the field or court with those closest to you.
25 Athletes and Their Kids
While we all love to watch athletes compete and do what they do best, we just can’t seem to get enough of watching athletes and their kids. It’s always nice to see an athlete in mom or dad mode, especially since we rarely see them act that way on the field, court, rink, course, etc.
When most athletes rise to stardom, they’re nothing more than teenagers and young adults trying to make a name for themselves in their respective sport. As they grow older, we see them evolve into adults that have plans, goals, and desires that they want to achieve outside of sport.
One of those goals for many athletes today is to start a family – it’s something on most people’s minds as they age. You not only want to find success in your career, but you also want to settle down, build a family, and watch your children achieve success in whatever they want to do.
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Taking a Closer Look at Athletes and Their Kids
If you’re like us, you can’t help but smile when you see adorable pictures of athletes and their kids – especially if the athlete is a first-time parent or they just had a newborn. It’s something we don’t see very often as most athletes live a private lifestyle, but we love it when we do see it!
We already know of several athletes that are expecting a child in 2022 – including Cristiano Ronaldo and his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez, who are expecting twins. Ronaldo already has four children, meaning he’ll have six by the end of the year. It’ll also be his second set of twins.
Not only that, but Odell Beckham Jr. and his girlfriend Lauren Wood are expecting their first child together. Candace Parker and her wife Anya Petrakova are expecting their first child, as well. We can’t wait to see these athletes and their kids once they’re officially welcomed into the world.
Until then, let’s take a look at some of our favorite athletes and their kids in the world today!
25. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal played 19 seasons in the NBA and is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever. He had four children with Shaunie Nelson (Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me’arah) between 2000 and 2006, as well as one child with Arnetta Yardborough (Taahirah) in 1996. He hasn’t been married since his split with Nelson in 2009, but loves his kids dearly.
24. Roger Federer
Roger Federer made his pro tennis debut in 1998 and has put together one of the greatest careers in tennis history. He married former WTA player Miroslava Federer (née Vavrinec) in 2009 and the two have had a pair of twins since – identical twin daughters in 2009 and identical twin sons in 2014. Don’t worry, his children seem to have the same love for tennis as he does!
23. Michael Strahan
Michael Strahan played 15 seasons in the NFL and was one of the most feared defensive ends of his generation. Between 1992 and 1996, Strahan was married to Wanda Hutchins. The two had a son (Michael Strahan Jr.) and a daughter (Tanita Strahan). Strahan married again in 1999 and had twin daughters – Isabella and Sophia Strahan – with Jean Muggli in 2004.
22. Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade played 16 seasons in the NBA and is regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards in basketball history. He was married to Siohvaughn Funches between 2002-2010 and had two sons together. He also had a son with Aja Metoyer in 2013, a daughter with Gabrielle Union in 2018, and raises his nephew. Him and Union remain happily married today.
21. Dwayne Johnson
Known to many as ‘The Rock,’ Dwayne Johnson is one of the greatest WWE superstars of all-time and has become one of the biggest actors since retiring from the sport. He was married to Dany Garcia from 1997 to 2007 and they had one daughter together (Simone). He then married Lauren Hashian in 2019 and they’ve had two daughters together (Jasmine and Tiana).
20. Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods will go down as one of the greatest golfers to ever play when he decides to retire. He has had an incredible career since turning professional in 1996 and currently has 109 wins. He had two children with Elin Nordegren – a daughter named Sam Alexis Woods in 2007 and a son named Charlie Axel Woods in 2009. Tiger Woods is now dating Erica Herman.
19. Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh played 13 seasons in the NBA and was recently named to the Hall of Fame as a player in 2021. He famously won back-to-back NBA titles with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and the rest of the Miami Heat. Bosh has been married to Adrienne Williams since 2011 and the couple raise five children together – two daughters (one with Allison Mathis) and three sons.
18. James Rodriguez
James Rodriguez is a soccer player for Al-Rayyan SC and has three goals in seven games since joining the club in 2021. He previously played for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. He married Daniela Ospina in 2011 and had a daughter (named Salome) in 2013. The two split in 2017, but Rodriguez welcomed his first son (named Samuel) to a surrogate mother in 2019.
17. David Beckham
David Beckham is one of the most iconic and influential soccer players of all-time. He has been married to Victoria Beckham since 1999 and the two have formed quite the power couple – and power family. They have four children together, including three sons (Brooklyn Joseph in 1999, Romeo James in 2002, and Cruz David in 2005) and one daughter (Harper Seven in 2011).
16. Jeff Gordon
Jeff Gordon appeared in 805 NASCAR races over a 25-year career between 1992 and 2016. He is most known for driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. He has been married to Ingrid Vandebosch since 2006 and they’ve had two children since – a daughter named Ella Sofia Gordon in 2007 and a son named Leo Benjamin Gordon in 2010.
15. Drew Brees
Drew Brees played 20 seasons in the NFL, five for the San Diego Chargers and 15 for the New Orleans Saints. He decided to retire after the 2020 season as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play. He has been married to Brittany Dudchenko since 2003 and the two have four children together – three sons born between 2009 and 2012, and a daughter born in 2014.
14. Tony Hawk
Tony Hawk is one of the most iconic and influential skateboarders in the history of the sport. He turned pro in 1982 and retired in 2003 after over 20 years of incredible skating. He has four children – three sons (Riley, Spencer, and Keegan) and one daughter (Kadence) – with three different women – Cindy Dunbar, Erin Lee, and Lhotse Merriam.
13. Tom Brady
Tom Brady played 22 seasons in the NFL and is arguably the greatest football player of all-time. He has seven Super Bowl wins, which is more than any franchise in NFL history. He has three children, the first coming with girlfriend Bridget Moynahan in 2007. He then married Gisele Bündchen in 2009 and the couple have had two children since – a son and a daughter.
12. Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is one of the most famous swimmers of all-time. With 28 Olympic medals (23 of which were gold), he’s the most decorated Olympian of all-time. During the 2008 Olympics, he won a record eight gold medals. He has been married to Nicole Johnson since 2016 and the couple have three sons together – Boomer, Beckett, and Maverick.
11. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is currently playing in his 13th season in the NBA, but is already regarded as one of the best point guards of all-time. He’s a two-time scoring champ, two-time MVP, and three-time NBA champion. He has been married to Ayesha Curry since 2011 and the couple have three children together – daughters Riley and Ryan, and son Canon.
10. Oscar De La Hoya
Oscar De La Hoya is one of the most recognizable boxers of all-time, winning 11 world titles in six different weight classes over a 16-year career in the sport. He has six children – a daughter (Atiana) with Shanna Moakler, a son (Oscar) and two daughters (Nina and Victoria) with Millie Corretjer, and two sons (Jacob and Devon) from previous relationships.
9. Neymar Jr.
Neymar Jr. is a soccer player for Paris Saint-Germain and has been with the club since 2017. He has 265 goals and 205 assists in 452 senior appearances since 2009, including 90 goals in 130 appearances for PSG. Although he’s currently dating Bruna Biancardi, he previously had a son (Davi Lucca) with Carolina Dantas in 2011.
8. LeBron James
LeBron James is currently playing in his 19th season in the NBA and is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all-time. He is heavily invested in his family, which includes two sons (Bronny and Bryce) and a daughter (Zuhri). He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Savannah Brinson, since 2013 and they remain a power couple in the world today.
7. Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez is a soccer player for Atlético Madrid and has been with the team since 2020, having also played for Barcelona, Liverpool, and Ajax. He has 434 goals and 311 assists in 686 senior appearances. He has been married to Sofia Balbi since 2009 and the couple have three children together – a daughter (Delfina) and two sons (Benjamin and Lauti).
6. Gerard Pique
Gerard Pique is a soccer player for Barcelona and has been with the team since 2008, having also played for Manchester United between 2004 and 2008. He has played in 644 games as a senior and is one of the best defenders of all-time. He has two sons (Milan and Sasha) with famous singer-songwriter Shakira. The two met during the shooting of a music video.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is a soccer player for Manchester United and joined the team in 2021 after stints with Juventus and Real Madrid. He has 688 goals and 301 assists in 922 senior appearances. He is expecting twins with Georgina Rodgriguez in 2022, which will be their third child together. Ronaldo also has two daughters and one son from previous relationships.
4. Anna Kournikova
Anna Kournikova is a retired professional tennis player that turned pro in 1995 and retired in 2003. She had a career singles record of 209-129 and a career doubles record of 200-71. She is currently with famous singer-songwriter Enrique Iglesias and the couple have a son (Nicholas) and two daughters (Mary and Lucy). Lucy and Nicholas are fraternal twins.
3. Serena Williams
Serena Williams is one of the most decorated and recognizable professional tennis players of all-time, especially among women. She has an 855-152 career singles record with 73 singles titles and 23 Grand Slams. She is married to Alexis Ohanion and the couple have a daughter together (Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.), who could follow in her mother’s footsteps one day.
2. Canelo Alvarez
Canelo Alvarez is the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the boxing world today. He has a 57-1-2 professional record inside the ring, including multiple world titles in multiple weight divisions. He recently married his longtime partner, Fernanda Gomez, in 2021 and has four children (three daughters, one son) – all of which have different mothers.
1. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is a soccer player for Paris Saint-Germain and has been with the team since 2021 after spending 18 years with Barcelona. He has 679 goals and 413 assists in 805 senior appearances. He has been dating Antonella Roccuzzo since 2008 and the couple has three sons together – Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. They were born between 2012 and 2018.
Which Athletes and Their Kids Are Your Favorite?
Athletes are treated like royalty, but they’re normal human beings just like everyone else. When not practicing or competing, most athletes are usually at home doing what mothers and fathers do best. If not, then they’re likely searching for that special someone to start a family with.
Since athletes are usually teenagers when they rise to fame, they still have a lot of life to live when they eventually retire. Even Tom Brady, who just retired from the NFL after 22 amazing seasons, is only 44 years old and is dedicating the rest of his life to his wife and three kids.
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We’re excited to see what 2022 has in store for athletes and their kids. We already know of several athletes that are expecting a child this year and who knows which athletes will make the next announcement. The good news is there are plenty of athletes and their kids to obsess over.
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