LeBron James has talked about quite a few occasions over the previous few years that he’d like to play along with his son Bronny James within the NBA.
That might come true this summer time on the 2024 NBA Draft. Bronny entered his identify into the draft and the faculty switch portal to retain his collegiate eligibility.
NBA franchises may have a chance to get an up-close have a look at Bronny forward of June’s draft within the occasion that the USC freshman foregoes his faculty eligibility for the NBA.
Since LeBron is a member of the Lakers, Los Angeles might contemplate drafting his son to create the primary father-son duo in NBA historical past.
How can they make that occur? Here is an inventory of the Lakers draft picks for the 2024 NBA Draft.
MORE: Will Bronny James get drafted?
Lakers draft picks 2024
The Lakers are pretty restricted within the 2024 NBA Draft, which does not bode properly for them in the event that they need to guarantee they get Bronny on the roster.
Los Angeles may have at the least one draft choose this 12 months because the franchise owns the Clippers’ second rounder. It is attainable the Lakers may have their very own first rounder, however that depends on the New Orleans Pelicans’ choice.
The Pelicans can defer the primary rounder to 2025, which is taken into account a stronger draft class than the 2024 group. This primary rounder was part of the Anthony Davis commerce in 2019.
- Lakers’ first rounder: New Orleans Pelicans personal the choose however can defer to 2025.
- Lakers’ second rounder: San Antonio Spurs personal the choose.
- Clippers’ second rounder: Lakers personal the choose
The Lakers traded their second rounder to the Memphis Grizzlies and acquired a a second rounder in return. They traded that choose quickly after within the D’Angelo Russell deal. The Lakers’ second rounder now belongs to the San Antonio Spurs.
With none trades, the Lakers can have both one or two draft picks, with the Clippers’ second rounder a assure. In the event that they do obtain their first spherical choose this 12 months, the Pelicans will personal the Lakers’ 2025 first spherical choice.
MORE: Sporting Information’ newest 2024 NBA Mock Draft
Bronny James mock draft projections
Bronny’s draft inventory was a lot larger getting into the 2023-24 season than it’s now. Many websites had the USC freshman as a primary rounder, or at the least to be chosen among the many 60 picks.
Now, Bronny is not listed on any main mock drafts following his choice to enter the NBA Draft. The Sporting Information, ESPN, Bleacher Report and the Ringer would not have Bronny among the many prime 60 picks.
That does not imply James will not get drafted. His inventory may rise after exercises, or, given his connection to LeBron a group might take a flyer on Bronny.
Jonathan Givony of ESPN did nevertheless have Bronny because the 39th choose within the 2025 draft.
LeBron James contract
One thing to notice heading into the offseason is LeBron’s contract state of affairs with the Lakers.
He signed a two-year, $99 million contract extension in August 2022, and it features a participant possibility on the second season. He can choose out of the contract this offseason and turn into an unrestricted free agent, or he can stay with the Lakers for an additional season and hit the market in 2025.
It is attainable that LeBron makes his choice primarily based on Bronny’s NBA Draft standing. LeBron, a future NBA Corridor of Famer, may choose out of his deal and signal with the group that drafts his son.
If LeBron opts in, he will likely be making $51.four million subsequent season and be an unrestricted free agent within the 2025 offseason.
