Bronny James Stirs Debate Ahead of 2024 NBA Draft

LOS ANGELES, June 13, 2024 — As the 2024 NBA Draft approaches, Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, stands out as one of the most talked-about prospects. Despite the buzz surrounding his name, many analysts and scouts do not see Bronny as a first-round pick in this year’s draft, which is set for June 26.

Bronny’s journey to the NBA has been closely followed, with the young guard showcasing his talents in a 25-game stint at USC. His skill set and potential have made him an intriguing prospect, but opinions are divided on whether he will be among the top 30 players selected.

So far, only the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers have had the opportunity to evaluate Bronny up close in private workouts. Despite numerous requests from other teams, Bronny has limited his pre-draft engagements, adding an air of exclusivity to his scouting process.

Speculation is rife about whether teams might draft Bronny as a strategic move to attract his father, LeBron James, who has expressed a desire to play alongside his son in the NBA. This possibility has sparked discussions about a potential ‘race’ among teams eager to secure the duo.

The Lakers, holding the 17th overall pick, are at the center of this speculation. However, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers do not plan to use their first-round pick on Bronny. “The Lakers, to my understanding, they’re not considering Bronny James at No. 17,” Wojnarowski reported. “There’s no reason to take him at 17. If you wanted to take him earlier than 55, you could move up some places but you are just giving away value.”

This cautious approach aligns with the broader consensus that Bronny is not projected as a first-rounder. The Lakers, currently owning the 55th pick in the second round, may still pursue him but would need to maneuver their position to do so effectively. They are likely exploring strategies to trade up in the second round to secure Bronny without sacrificing their overall draft value.

As the draft draws near, the uncertainty surrounding Bronny’s future adds another layer of excitement and intrigue. Whether he lands with a team aiming to pair him with his father or finds his own path, Bronny James’ entry into the NBA promises to be a storyline worth watching.