Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA legend LeBron James, makes his NBA debut tonight and although he has been in the spotlight since his early high school and college days, his path to the NBA has been marked by the immense pressure of that The family name James lives up to.

Although his college career was briefly delayed by a health scare that raised concerns about his possible future, Bronny recovered and continued his path to the NBA. Now, as he makes his Los Angeles Lakers debut alongside his father, the experience is both nostalgic and historic. It is the first time an active NBA player will share the professional court with his son, marking a unique moment in both the history of the league and that of the legendary Los Angeles Lakers.

As the younger James enters his rookie season, comparisons to his father are inevitable, but Bronny's focus on defense, decision-making and team play sets him apart. He may not be the prolific goalscorer like his father, but his continued development and growing reputation as a solid player are promising.

With that in mind, and given their expected presence at tonight's Los Angeles Lakers game, I wanted to examine one of the most famous father-son tandems in sports history to come from Major League Baseball, and that, of course, is the father-son tandem of Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr.

The Griffey duo made history by playing together for 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 at the end 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.

The pairing of Bronny and LeBron may be similarly comparable, but the two have very different career trajectories. While LeBron's career is 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 player. However, to be successful, Bronny's professional career does not necessarily have to match that of his father. Instead, he can become an influential player in his own right, even if his legacy is tied to his father's enormous shadow.

Today's debut from Bronny and LeBron brings something new to the table for fans and collectors alike, and this is a rare opportunity for both of them to witness a once-in-a-lifetime connection on the court, and it is that connection that brings me to this Highlight the essential cards from Bronny and LeBron as well as Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr.

Each of these legendary players Bronny James, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr. have must-have trading cards that collectors are dying to own. Here's a breakdown of each must-have card:

Bronny James:

1. 2022 Bowman Chrome University 1st Bowman Card – This card dates back to Bronny's pre-NBA days, making it one of the first official cards available to 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 fetch higher prices.

3. 2023 Bowman Next Victor Wembanyama and Bronny James Dual Autograph – A unique card that pairs Bronny with fellow basketball player Victor Wembanyama. This double 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 limited edition. It's the crown jewel of LeBron's rookie cards.

2. 2003-04 Topps Chrome Rookie Card (#111) – One of the most famous LeBron rookie cards, the Topps Chrome is a classic with various refractor parallels that are particularly valuable 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 is not his true rookie card).

2. 1993 SP Foil Card – While not a newbie, this card is one of Griffey's most sought-after cards from the early '90s. The condition-sensitive film design makes high-quality versions particularly valuable.

3. 1989 Bowman Tiffany Rookie Card – Another important rookie card from Griffey. The Bowman Tiffany set was a premium version and therefore more valuable than the standard edition.

Ken Griffey Sr.:

1. 1974 Topps Rookie Card (#598) – Griffey Sr.'s rookie card is a must-have for any collection. While it's not as valuable as Jr.'s, it represents the beginning of the Griffey legacy.

2. 1982 Topps Traded Card (#87T) – This card dates 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 anyone looking to honor the Griffey family legacy.

For collectors 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 legendary father-son duos in basketball and baseball history. Whether you're looking for rookie cards, autographs or rare inserts, these cards are the essential foundation for any serious collection.