Drafting Bronny James is something almost every team will take a look at according to an NBA executive in case LeBron James follows him.
Bronny James is the most polarizing draft prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft, with many believing he’s going to get drafted solely because of his father, LeBron James. Even though the James camp has said LeBron won’t follow Bronny to a new team, HoopsHype reports that an NBA executive believes teams will look at drafting Bronny nonetheless because LeBron joining him will be a possibility.
“You have to have the conversation internally, especially if you’re a team in the West because if you can improve your chances of landing LeBron, it could significantly improve your chances.”
LeBron might not leave the Lakers this summer to join Bronny on a new team, but that possibility is likely in the coming years before LeBron decides to hang it up. Bronny made it clear that playing alongside his father isn’t a dream of his, as he just wants to reach the NBA level.
“No, never. My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself, and get to the NBA, which is everyone’s end goal that’s here. I never thought about just playing with my dad, but of course, he’s brought it up a couple of times. But yeah, I don’t think about it much.”
Bronny is currently projected to be a late second-round pick in most mock drafts, with the Lakers at No. 55 being the most likely takers. Multiple other teams have been analyzing Bronny, but it seems the 19-year-old and his advisors are zeroing in on two franchises as a future home.
Bronny James Working Out For The Lakers And Suns
Shams Charania has revealed that there is legitimate interest from NBA teams in acquiring Bronny James, but the former USC Trojan has only accepted invites from the Lakers and the Suns.
“Bronny James has over 10 workout invites… I’m told he’s only going to visit a couple of those, and that’s going to include the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns.”
Given the teams involved, Bronny’s draft tactics will raise eyebrows. People are already joking about how this is to set up LeBron joining the Suns on a minimum contract this summer, something that seems too ludicrous to even believe.
There’s a clear lack of point guard play in Phoenix and Bronny being there likely will lead to opportunities on the NBA team instead of playing in the G League. He has built a reputation as a player who would be great in a win-now situation, explaining why Phoenix is such a good match with their need at guard and their obvious winning intentions.
The Lakers are interested simply because of the consequences their lack of interest could have with LeBron James. The Suns will pick at No. 22 in the first round, while the Lakers will have their pick later. This could complicate their acquisition of Bronny unless they use their No. 17 pick to select Bronny in the first round.
The unnamed teams that have been declined an opportunity to see Bronny work are being sent a message to not draft him, but it might not be enough if some other team is dead-set on selecting Bronny.