Multiple NBA executives told Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times that their teams have discussed drafting Bronny James in the first round to lure his father, LeBron James, to their team in free agency.
LeBron can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his 2024-25 player option with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“If you’re a contender and you’re not having those conversations, it’s irresponsible,” said one executive to Woike.
Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks for USC this season while shooting 36.6% from the field, 26.7% from beyond the arc and 67.6% from the free-throw line.
Bronny played well in the second scrimmage in Chicago at the NBA Draft Combine. He finished with 13 points in 23 minutes while shooting 4-of-10 from beyond the arc.
LeBron’s son crushed the 3-point star shooting drill, going 19/25 from beyond the arc.
“I would be happy about getting to the league instead of me thinking about playing with my dad,” Bronny said, via ESPN. “That’s not my mindset or not at all. I’m just trying to put in the work and see where it takes me from there.”
No father has played with or against his son in the NBA.
Bronny has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. He has until May 29 to decide whether to stay in the draft or return to college.
“My job is just to play a role and play the right way, make sure I get my teammates involved and stuff like that,” Bronny said. “But again, I was just super grateful for the opportunity to be out there. I felt like I should be out there.”
LeBron, who turns 40 in December, is expected to play up to two more NBA seasons. The King averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists this season for the Lakers while shooting 54.0% from the field, 41.0% from beyond the arc and 75.0% from the free-throw line.
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