But initially, agent Rich Paul warned teams not to select Bronny in the NBA draft — at least that’s what former Golden State general manager Bob Myers said during an ESPN broadcast. Myers noted that if anyone selects Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft, his client will be headed overseas to Australia. And — surprise — the Lakers select him with the 55th overall pick, making them the first father and son in NBA history to play in the same league. However, it’s not the very fact of playing together that makes this event significant, but the fact that it’s the first time two generations of a family will be playing on the same stage (and of this there can be no doubt: ratings, ratings, and ratings again).
2024 NBA Draft Highlights:
Bronny will play with his dad LeBron! It’s official! How was the 2024 NBA Draft?
LeBron James, despite his controversial statements, could not hide his excitement at the idea of playing in the NBA with his son. This potential moment promised to be historic, regardless of whether they ended up on the same team or not. As the elder James becomes a free agent, questions arise: Will this make it easier or harder for them to team up on the court?
Lakers star big man Anthony Davis said before the start of the second round of the playoffs that he supported the team’s idea of drafting Bronny. “He’s very good defensively. He reads the game perfectly. I think he’s a very good playmaker. I’ve seen him a few times in practice, his reading of the defense, his correct passing, he’s really impressed me. I think he’ll be fine. Obviously there’s a lot of pressure on him because of who his father is. But one thing I’ve noticed about Bronny from what I’ve seen and heard is that he wants to create his own path and he doesn’t want to be, even though he’s LeBron James’ son, seen only through that lens. And I think that attitude and that desire to create his own path will bring him success. Who knows, maybe he’ll come and be ready to play with us,” Davis said.
The video is available on the Telegram channel “Basketball | AANBA.”
Will LeBron compete with Bronny? The question remains. Rich Paul, LeBron’s agent, says his client is willing to decline the extension option and evaluate prospects on the free agent market. This doesn’t give us any guarantee that James Sr. and James Jr. will end up on the same team. But if LeBron doesn’t return to the Lakers after the dice are rolled, it will be a real shock to the entire league. The Lakers have already tapped LeBron’s friend and occasional podcast partner JJ Redick to be their head coach. With Bronny in the lineup, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting scene for the 39-year-old veteran, even despite last season’s failed run.
Don’t expect LeBron and Bronny to share the court all the time. In college, Bronny didn’t show his best side, especially on offense. The Lakers are dreaming of a championship. They don’t have time for charity to give a young defender court time if he doesn’t help in the title race. Bronny will have to prove he’s worthy of playing. If James Jr. can’t make it into the starting lineup, he’ll face the Development League or the bench, where he can learn from those who know the ins and outs of the NBA game, including his father.
Third star of the Lakers?
Lakers don’t learn from mistakes? Bringing Young in for LeBron is a crazy risk
