The 2024 NBA Draft Combine serves many purposes for teams and prospective players alike. From a fan perspective, the focus is on measurements, practices, and 5-on-5 games, but that's not the only thing that happens during the week.
The front office comes down to the combine to meet with prospects. Teams will meet with dozens of scouts at the combine as an opportunity to gain background information they can use for years to come.
All of this information is a significant precursor to Thursday's report by the Los Angeles Times' Dan Wojke that the Lakers met with Bronny James at the combine this week.
In terms of the draft, the Lakers will select Bronny James, a player the team interviewed in Chicago, with the 55th pick, according to a source not authorized to publicly discuss draft strategy.
This won't be the last time the Lakers see Bronny up close. According to ESPN's Jamal Collier, he is scheduled to work out at the Lakers' facility on Wednesday.
James will participate in Klutch Sports' Pro Day on Wednesday, May 22nd. Klutch is holding his pro day at the Lakers' practice facility in El Segundo, California.
Bronny has had quite the combine himself, which has certainly improved his shaky draft stock. According to reports, he had already indicated his intention to remain in the draft before the combine, and after his week in Chicago, that will certainly be the case.
This is great news for Bronny, but it pretty much means he won't be available for the Lakers. Even if the Lakers keep it, he still isn't worth a first-round pick, but now it's highly unlikely he falls to the 55th pick.
Still, a lot can change between now and the draft. There is no downside to meeting the prospect and it gives both parties the opportunity to formally meet. To be sure, there's still a chance Bronny will be a Laker next season. The team is reportedly open to drafting him if it increases their chances of retaining his father, LeBron.
However, LeBron has pushed back against the idea that where his son goes in the draft will have any impact on his potential free agency decision this summer. The situation is constantly evolving and there are undoubtedly more twists and turns.
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