The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly open to selecting Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft so he could play alongside his father, Lakers superstar LeBron James.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick, the Lakers will consider the option of helping LeBron's son “achieve his dreams” by becoming teammates with him. That's what it means.
Bronny committed to the University of Southern California last year as one of the most touted recruits in the nation, but suffered a cardiac arrest during training last summer and missed the first eight games of his freshman season.
Although the younger James was limited in minutes for most of the 2023-24 season and had a statistically disappointing year, he still decided to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft and transfer at the same time. He also had the option of entering the portal and returning to university.
In his only collegiate season thus far, Bronny averaged just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, shooting just 36.6 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from beyond the arc.
Although he didn't reach his full potential last season, Bronny was considered a good defender, playmaker, and shooter coming out of high school, which could give him a big shot at someday making it to the NBA. Looks like I've given you a chance.
At this point, it is unclear whether the Lakers will have a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. As a result of the Anthony Davis trade, the New Orleans Pelicans now have the option of receiving L.A.'s first-round pick in either 2024 or 2025.
If the Lakers are able to keep their first-round pick, they may be able to acquire Bronny, but that could be considered a big reach given his performance last season, or lack thereof. is high.
The Lakers own the Los Angeles Clippers' second-round pick, which is shaping up to be a fairly late pick, which could hit them if Bronny decides to stay in the draft. .
In recent years, as Bronny has established himself as one of the top rookies in the nation, LeBron has said publicly on numerous occasions that he would like to play alongside Bronny in the NBA one day.
In 2022, James said on “X” that it was his “plan” to be Bronny's teammate in the NBA, and he reiterated that desire last year, telling ESPN's Ramona Shelburne that he was interested in making it happen. He said he is working on it seriously.
It's also possible that another team will swoop in and try to draft Bronny in order to attract LeBron, but Bronny's draft stock likely took a big hit last season, so the Lakers take him. It could be the only team.
The Lakers will likely face some criticism if they select Bronny, as it's considered a “crony hire” of sorts, but the latter half of the second round is always a disaster nonetheless.
Also, playing alongside his father, one of the greatest players in NBA history, is probably the best situation for Bronny in terms of developing and fulfilling his potential.
