One of the biggest non-coaching talking points around the Los Angeles Lakers right now is their pursuit of LeBron James’ son, Bronny, ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft. LeBron’s made it clear he wants to play with Bronny at some point soon, and it seems Los Angeles is set on making that happen now instead of allowing another contender to swoop in.
Not only have the Lakers done their part to set this partnership up, but it seems Bronny’s efforts are working as well.
NBA teams have been struggling to get Bronny James into their buildings, per @DraftExpress
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 18, 2024
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony said on Tuesday that other teams have struggled to get James into their buildings for workouts, even those that own late first-round picks. Givony also notes the “sense” is that Bronny won’t settle for a two-way deal, which is the typical contract offered to players picked toward the tail end of the Round 2 (where he’s currenly projected to land).
Considering his resistance to meeting with other squads, bold contract demands and obvious Lakers interest, Givony admits he doesn’t think another team will select Bronny due to fear of the negative “repercussions” that could come with it.
All of this seems to indicate James forcing his way to Los Angeles is working. Refusing to work out for organizations surely eliminated some of his interest, and not wanting to play on a two-way contract limits his appeal further.
Now, a team desperate to attract LeBron down the line could always throw a dart early in the second round at Bronny. But all of the latter’s actions to him being a distraction for any squad that’s not on his approval list.
Considering only the Lakers and Phoenix Suns have gotten the chance to meet with him during the pre-draft circuit, it seems James is happy to have just two options heading into the June 26 draft.
