Despite LeBron James' long-held desire to team up with his son Bronny James, LeBron's future reportedly does not depend on where Bronny goes in the 2024 NBA Draft.
During Friday's performance up & adamsShams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium wouldn't be surprised if teams reached out to LeBron's camp to gauge interest in attending LeBron's camp if they draft Bronny. But LeBron said the answer would be “no at this point.”
LeBron could become a free agent and sign elsewhere this offseason if he declines his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, but for now, LeBron will make his decision regardless of Bronny's situation. there is a possibility.
Over the years, LeBron has often talked about wanting to make history by being Bronny's teammate in the NBA.
In 2022, James told X that his “plan” was to be Bronny's teammate in the NBA, and he doubled down last year, telling ESPN's Ramona Shelburne that he wanted to make it happen. He said he is “seriously” working on it.
But LeBron has also hinted that he's fine even if teaming up with Bronny doesn't happen, telling ESPN's Dave McMenamin last year:
“I've done what I was supposed to do in this league, and my son is going to be on his own journey. And whatever journey he takes, and how that journey unfolds, he's going to do what's best for him. “And as his father,” and his mother, Savannah, and his brother and sister, we're going to support him in whatever he decides to do, so those are my aspirations and goals. That doesn't mean it's absolutely his. that's OK. ”
Bronny, who attended the 2024 NBA Draft Combine this week, made it clear to reporters that playing alongside his father was not a top priority, saying:
“My dream was always to get my name out there and make a name for myself and make it to the NBA.
“Everything that comes after my dad, people try to associate me with my dad's accomplishments and all the great things he's accomplished. I feel like there needs to be a gap between Bronny and LeBron because I haven't done anything yet.”
Still, Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported last month that the Lakers were open to the idea of drafting Bronny to help LeBron “fulfill his dream” of being on the same team as his son.
The Lakers own the 17th and 55th overall picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, so they would have the opportunity to acquire Bronny if they wish.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith also reported. Stephen A. Smith Show It was reported this week that the Dallas Mavericks may be interested in drafting Bronny in order to make LeBron a free agent.
Nevertheless, Buha said this week on Buja's Block (h/t HoopsHype.com) that LeBron will remain with the Lakers by either opting in next season or opting out and signing a new contract. “All the signs are,” he said.
As for Bronny, he has until June 16th to opt out and return to college, so there's no guarantee he'll even remain in the NBA draft pool.
Bronny's first and only college season to date was delayed due to heart surgery. He missed the first eight games of the season and struggled to play a consistent role for USC after that, averaging just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
Bronny not only entered the draft, but also entered the transfer portal. That means he will likely play somewhere other than USC in the 2024-25 season if he returns to school.
However, if Bronny remains in the draft, it appears his fate will not be tied to that of his legendary father.
