Bronny James, the son of NBA prospect LeBron James, reportedly completed a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. Los Angeles Times Dan Woyck.
“James participated in the Lakers' practice on Thursday, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to speak publicly,” Woyck wrote.
“James' athleticism, defensive ability and shooting ability at the Chicago draft combine undoubtedly drew the Lakers' interest. If he returns to the team in free agency this summer (or opts out as expected), he could make history by pairing with his father, LeBron James.”
The Lakers hold the 17th and 56th overall picks in this month's draft.
James was initially viewed as a possible player who might not be selected in this year's draft, but a strong showing at the NBA Combine last month gave him a major boost. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his lone season at USC, but he has made up for that in recent weeks.
He had the fourth-highest vertical jump at the combine at 40.5 inches, showed potential in agility drills, and was second among prospects at the combine in the 3-point shooting drill, making 19 of 25 attempts, proving that his collegiate 3-point shooting percentage of 26.7% was not a reflection of his potential.
James also performed well in practice matches at the Combine.
Talent aside, the obvious reason the Lakers would draft James is to pair him with his father and increase the likelihood he will stay with the team come the offseason. LeBron James has a player option that allows him to become a free agent this summer, and if Los Angeles drafted his son, it could help keep their star player on the team.
James is clearly still a work in progress, but with the right development he could be a solid player in the NBA, and maybe playing alongside his father, one of the greatest players of all time, is just what he needs.
