The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly open to the opportunity of choosing Bronny James within the 2024 NBA draft so he can play alongside his father—Lakers famous person LeBron James.

Bronny dedicated to USC final yr as one of the vital extremely touted recruits within the nation, however after going into cardiac arrest whereas figuring out final summer time, he missed the primary eight video games of his freshman season.

The youthful James was on a minutes restriction for a lot of the 2023-24 marketing campaign and had a disappointing yr statistically, however he nonetheless determined to declare for the 2024 NBA draft, whereas additionally leaving open the choice of returning to school by coming into the switch portal.

In his solely collegiate season to this point, Bronny averaged simply 4.8 factors, 2.8 rebounds and a pair of.1 assists per recreation, whereas capturing solely 36.6 p.c from the sphere and 26.7 p.c from past the arc.

He didn’t come near taking part in as much as his potential final season, however Bronny was thought-about a plus defender, playmaker and shooter popping out of highschool, which seemingly gave him a powerful probability to make it to the NBA in the future.

As of proper now, it’s unclear if the Lakers may have a first-round decide within the 2024 NBA draft. Because of the Anthony Davis commerce, the New Orleans Pelicans have the selection to take L.A.’s first-round choice in both 2024 or 2025.

If the Lakers do get to maintain their first-rounder, taking Bronny there could also be a chance, though it will doubtless be thought-about an enormous attain given his manufacturing final season, or lack thereof.

The Lakers personal the Los Angeles Clippers’ second-round decide, which is shaping as much as be a reasonably late choice, and it might be the place they strike on Bronny ought to he determine to stay within the draft.

Lately, as Bronny established himself as one of many prime recruits within the nation, LeBron stated publicly on quite a few events that he needed to play alongside him within the NBA in the future.

In 2022, James stated on X that being Bronny’s teammate within the NBA was his “plan,” and he reiterated his want final yr, telling ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne he was “severe” about making it occur.

It’s attainable one other workforce may try and swoop in and draft Bronny in an effort to lure in LeBron, however since Bronny’s draft inventory doubtless took a major hit final season, the Lakers might be the one workforce in on him.

Whereas the Lakers would doubtless face some criticism upon choosing Bronny as a result of perception that it will be a “nepotism rent” of kinds, the latter portion of the second spherical is at all times a crapshoot regardless.

Additionally, taking part in alongside his father and one of many biggest gamers in NBA historical past would maybe be the very best state of affairs for Bronny when it comes to creating and reaching his potential.