Over the years, Akron, Ohio, has been a breeding ground for sports legends. From track and field legend Butch Reynolds to Shirley Fry and Shawn Porter, the Rubber City has seen its share of stars. But towering above them all is LeBron James, aka The Akron Hammer. Now, at 39, the Lakers maestro and four-time NBA champion is passing the torch to his son, Bronny James. Drafted 55th overall by the Lakers, Bronny’s selection marks a historic first father-son duo in the NBA.

This year, as LeBron, the 2x Olympic gold medalist, gears up for the Paris Olympics with Team USA, Bronny will showcase his skills at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. And as the Akron sports “LEGACY” continues in the world of track and field, another Akron veteran sets his sights on Paris with Team USA. What’s intriguing is the bond these two hometown heroes share. Following a stellar performance at the 2024 US track and field trials, this seasoned track star opened up about how Bronny James’ draft news made him realize time’s passing.

Akron’s track and field star feels ancient as LeBron James’s son, Bronny James, joins the Lakers

At Hayward Field in Eugene, FloTrack caught up with Clayton Murphy, the bronze medalist in the 800 meters at the 2016 Olympics, during the 2024 US Olympic trials. As an Akron native, he was asked about Bronny James Jr. getting drafted by the Lakers. Clayton shared, “I mean it’s cool. It makes me feel old because, you know, I watched Lebron when I was in high school.” He reminisced about LeBron’s early days and how seeing LeBron’s son drafted into the NBA highlighted the passage of time.

As one of the older guys from his university still active in sports, Clayton Murphy added, “I’m kind of holding it down for a few of the old heads here, so it’s fun to, you know, hold it down for some of us.” These words by the veteran stand out, especially after Clayton Murphy won his heat in the men’s 800 meters at the trials, finishing in 1 minute, 47.05 seconds, to qualify for Friday’s semifinals. Reflecting on his journey towards aiming for his third Olympic team, it’s worth noting that Clayton also received a special shout-out from LeBron James himself back in the day for his blazing talent.

How Clayton Murphy got the recognition of The Akron Hammer

In August 2016, LeBron James gave a shout-out to Clayton Murphy after he won bronze in the 800m at the Rio Olympics, setting a personal record of 1:42.93. LeBron took to Facebook to post a picture of Clayton throwing up the “Z” symbol for his University of Akron Zips. He wrote, “HUGE s/o to Olympic Bronze Medalist, Ohioan, and most importantly, AKRON ZIP, Clayton Murphy!! I’m proud that all of my LeBron James Family Foundation future Zips have you to look up to.”

That year, LeBron and the University of Akron announced an unprecedented partnership. It promised scholarships for Akron Public Schools kids in LeBron’s I Promise program, dedicated some on-campus space for a new institute, and got the full support of the LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education. This partnership was all about providing opportunities, resources, and hope for future generations.

Now, in 2024, as the Akron track and field veteran aims for the Paris Olympics and LeBron gears up to represent Team USA in basketball, fans are buzzing with excitement. Will their paths cross on the pinnacle stage? What do you think about this awesome crossover between track and field and basketball? Share your thoughts in the comments below!