MLB Superstar Kenny Lofton Explains Relation to NBA's Kenneth Lofton Jr

MLB Superstar Kenny Lofton Explains Relation to NBA's Kenneth Lofton Jr originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Former MLB legend Kenny Lofton has cleared the air, once and for all, about whether or not he is related to NBA power forward Kenneth Lofton Jr., who's currently angling to land on a 2025-26 roster while playing for the Boston Celtics' Summer League team.

During a decorated 17-year career from 1991-2007, the baseball Lofton played for the Houston Astros, the then-Cleveland Indians, the Atlanta Braves, the Chicago White Sox, the San Francisco Giants, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Chicago Cubs, the New York Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Texas Rangers.

He led the AL five times in stolen bases, finishing with 622 for his career. Lofton was also named to the now-Cleveland Guardians Hall of Fame for his 10 seasons with the team.

Kenneth Lofton Jr., who is 35 years younger than Kenny Lofton, has enjoyed a less decorated career in basketball thus far. He went unselected out of Louisiana Tech in 2022, and has since bounced around the Memphis Grizzlies, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Utah Jazz — plus their respective G League affiliates.

In 45 total NBA games, the 22-year-old has averaged 4.8 points on .497/.317/.623 shooting splits, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.

Lofton inked a deal with Chinese Basketball Association squad the Shanghai Sharks in the fall of 2024, and continues to work towards his next NBA opportunity.

During a new interview with Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, the six-time MLB All-Star Lofton revealed whether or not he has an actual, familial connection to the NBA Lofton.

"We’re not related. People think that and when you look at him he’s like, 6-foot-9 or something [he 's 6-foot-7] and I’m only 6-foot and he’s like almost 280 and look at me, I’m only 190," Kenny Lofton said. "So I mean, people think that but I ended up meeting him and he said, 'Oh yeah, you’re the guy that they keep talking about that’s your dad…' and I’m like, ‘I ain’t your daddy and I tell people that but people still want to put us two together.’"

"I mean, it’s not anything unusual so when I hear it, it’s not surprising anymore," Kenny Lofton said of the comparison. "So it’s not any crazy places but, you’ll see people come up to me and say, '“'Your son is ballin’!'  and I’m like, ‘No, I don’t have a son. I have a little daughter but…’  But yeah, it’s pretty funny."

When asked about whose NBA game he sees in his non-son, Kenny Lofton cited a fellow undersized power forward, this one with a Hall of Fame pedigree.

"I always call him a mini [Charles] Barkley but left-handed," Kenny Lofton claimed. "He plays like that."

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.