Draft prospect Bronny James is considering being invited to “a few more” practices with the team, according to his agent Rich Paul.
Paul told NBA insider Marc Stein that the 6-foot-1 guard hasn't closed the door to additional training after meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns.
At least 10 teams have requested an in-person interview with James, The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania reported on May 28, but James has been trying to be selective.
It's not uncommon for draft prospects to decline individual invitations, but that usually only happens to those with a very narrow draft range, while James is widely considered a second-round talent.
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman predicted the 19-year-old could go to the Lakers with the 55th overall pick and potentially team up with his father, LeBron James.
“Rival teams appear unsure about Bronny James' chances of being drafted, but the general expectation remains that the Los Angeles Lakers are his most likely destination,” Wasserman wrote.
“If he's still available very late in the second round, the Los Angeles front office may feel pressured to select him because there's essentially no risk in picking that late. And passing on the 55th pick would signal to LeBron how little the team values Bronny.”
Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus reported Thursday that Los Angeles “is widely expected to draft Bronny with one of their two picks (17th or 55th) or by trading up in the second round.” ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Friday that the Lakers are “not considering” Bronny with their first-round pick.
If it does happen, many fans will speculate as to why James would train with another team. Maybe the Lakers are wavering on having James play in the NBA with his father. Maybe Bronny himself is warming to the idea. Or maybe with LeBron increasingly likely leaving the West Coast, the team-up could happen elsewhere.
Whatever happens, we'll know in less than three weeks.
