One strategy to convince LeBron James to remain in Los Angeles is as follows: Draft Bronny, his kid.
The Lаkers аre repоrtedly “willing tо explоre the nоtiоn” оf аdding Brоnny Jаmes аs а rооkie in the upcоming seаsоn, prоvided thаt dоing sо wоuld meаn the NBа’s аll-time greаtest scоrer stаys in Lоs аngeles. Jаmes hаs а $51.4 milliоn plаyer оptiоn fоr the 2024–2025 cаmpаign.
Bronny has the right to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft following his freshman year at USC, though it is unclear if he will. The Lakers are aware that drafting Bronny would bring his father joy, as reported by The Athletic.
Not to mention, LeBron, who is participating in his 21st NBA season this year, is eager to play alongside his son. However, The Athletic claims that other teams are considering pursuing Bronny in the event that he declares for the NBA Draft in an effort to select LeBron. In their pursuit of an NBA championship, the Golden State Warriors did attempt to acquire James prior to this year’s NBA trade deadline. The Lakers and James didn’t approve of it.
The Athletic reports that several Lakers rival executives are “increasingly convinced” that LeBron wants to leave the team. Although LeBron turns 40 at the end of the season, he still ranks among the NBA’s best players, which is why teams are constantly vying for his services, should they become available. In a game, he averages 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists.
Bronny isn’t producing at a level that would make him a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, though. In fact, with a disappointing Trojans team in his rookie season, he might not even be contributing enough to be a lottery choice. In 16 games, six of which he started, Bronny is averaging 5.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. In addition, he only shoots 35.6% overall, including 27.1% from three-point range. It’s also important to remember that Bronny had a heart arrest in July of last year, which prevented him from playing during the season. In the end, December was the month he could play. All things considered, if LeBron is a package deal with Bronny getting taken, maybe a team would be open to letting the father work with his son, under the guidance of the other coaches, to elevate Bronny’s play to a higher level if it meant having his father, a 20-time All-Star, join the team.