Since Bronny James announced his intention to enter the 2024 NBA Draft, the basketball world has been buzzing with speculation about his future. The eldest son of LeBron James had a strong high school career, and while his performance at USC wasn’t stellar, he made a notable impression at the NBA Combine.
NBA insider Shams Charania recently shared insights into what might happen if Bronny is drafted by a team other than the Los Angeles Lakers. Charania stated, “It would not surprise me in the coming weeks if a team does reach out to Rich Paul or anyone around Bronny James, or even LeBron James himself, and asks, ‘Hey, if we draft Bronny James, would you come as well?’ And the answer to that is no, as of right now.”

Despite this, the Lakers are reportedly very interested in Bronny. The team views the 19-year-old guard as a good fit and is considering drafting him. The Lakers are also in the midst of a search for a new head coach, following their split with Darvin Ham, with potential candidates including JJ Redick, Sam Cassell, and James Borrego.

During the NBA Combine in Chicago, the Lakers interviewed Bronny, showing their serious interest in his potential. Bronny impressed scouts and executives by scoring 13 points in two scrimmage games after a slow start.

According to the Los Angeles Times’ Dan Woike, the Lakers are contemplating selecting Bronny with the No. 55 overall pick in the draft. Woike noted, “In terms of the draft, the Lakers seem like they’ll be the draft floor for Bronny James at pick 55, a player the team conducted an interview with in Chicago, according to sources not authorized to publicly discuss draft strategy.”

However, the Lakers are not the only team interested in Bronny. The Utah Jazz are also rumored to be eyeing the USC product. As the draft approaches, it remains to be seen where Bronny will land and how this decision will influence LeBron’s future in the NBA.