All the struggles and hard work that Bronny James put in finally came to fruition as the Los Angeles Lakers selected him as their 55th pick. Just like that, Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss fulfilled one of the greatest wishes of LeBron James. With the arrival of the 19-year-old, Bron created another history in the NBA. The pair became the first-ever active father-son duo in the league.

Whether the former USC guard will take the floor with his father is still debatable. However, one thing that was decided was Bronny’s jersey number. In a post by LeBron on Instagram was an image of his son wearing No. 9. The proud father captioned the post, “NO WORDS !!” followed by a prince emoji.

As soon as the news dropped, everyone wanted to know the inspiration behind the number. And Bron obliged. He revealed that it was a tribute to the late American rapper, Juice WRLD. The talented artist had unfortunately passed away due to an accidental overdose at the young age of 21. But his four-year career had made more than enough impact for one of the finer basketball minds to embark on a difficult journey using the ‘Lucid Dreams’ artist as his inspiration.

How, you ask?

The late songwriter himself had explained the significance of his signature ‘999’ logo in an interview with Sway Calloway in 2018. Juice WRLD said it was all about flipping the narrative. Or more to the point, flipping the negative to positive. “In the last book of the Bible, it says that 6-6-6 is the mark of the beast. And that’s Satan, Belfoid, that’s hell.”

“999 represents, take whatever hell, whatever bad situation, or whatever struggle you’re going through and turn it into something positive. And you need to push yourself forward,” Juice WRLD explained his take on the tale as old as time.

Story of Bronny James’ life! No wonder the 19-year-old felt such a deep connection to the young rapper who left this world too soon. To showcase just how much influence ‘JuicetheKidd’ has had on him, Bronny had 999 tattooed behind his ear vertically. It’s clear that he holds the Chicago native to an exceptionally high standard. And his words as motivation during the adverse times.

Bronny James gets the stamp of approval of the former Lakers All-Star

Bronny has worn quite a few numbers in his basketball career. During his Sierra Canyon days, the 6’2 point guard wore the number “0”. However, Jalen Hood-Schifino called dibs on it on his arrival at the NBA. With the Trojans, Bronny decided to go with the Celtics legend Bill Russell’s No. 6.

Unfortunately, that was one number the McD’s All-American would never get to wear. In fact, no one would be able to use it. The decorated 11x champion had a unique honor bestowed on him with a league-wide retirement of his number. So, 6 was not even in the picture. Bronny could have gone with his father’s 23, but that would probably be like sticking a target on his back, literally. And the next number close to his heart was 9.

It also happens to be a favorite of a former Los Angeles star – Nick Van Exel. The centerpiece to the Purple & Gold’s rebuilding period after the end of the popular ‘Showtime Era,’ “Nick the Quick” had rocked No. 9. And he approves Bronny’s choice. The ‘Akron Hammer’ shared the 52-year-old’s wholesome comment on his X account.

“That’s so TOUGH!! Nick the Quick was SO COLD!!!!!” followed by a salute and handshake emoji.

Of course, since then, the likes of Rajon Rondo and Matt Barnes have also worn No. 9. However, Lakers fans would agree that it doesn’t have the same effect as the streaky shooter.

It also seems like they have agreed on the name as well – ‘James Jr.’ Although it is often used across articles, by reporters, analysts, and practically the entire basketball community, this somehow makes it official. However, it also has many wondering if the 4x champion will add a ‘Sr.’ to his jersey.

It wouldn’t be the first time an NBA player has made such a change. Xavier Tillman of the Boston Celtics changed his jersey name, adding Sr. to it after the birth of his son, Xavier Justis Tillman Jr.

So, what do you think of the Lakers rookie and his jersey number? Will Bronny James turn out to be the reason future hoopers would want to wear No. 9? Only time will tell.

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the alleged Shaq and Kobe Lakers beef. Keep checking this space for more such updates.