Insider Reveals Lakers’ Rival Almost Pulled Trigger on Drafting Bronny James

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James is arguably the most polarizing player in the 2024 NBA Draft class.

Social media went wild on draft night after James was picked 55th overall by his dad’s team, with many blasting the Lakers for essentially wasting a draft pick simply to cater to LeBron James (Bronny was projected to go undrafted).

However, there was a scenario that almost played out in which Bronny would’ve actually been drafted higher, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne , but that team ultimately backed out at the last minute because of LeBron.

“The Warriors liked Bronny’s skill set and had him on their draft board, sources said,” Shelburne wrote. “Selecting him ahead of the Lakers, who held the 55th pick, would’ve been a shrewd move — perhaps even to entice James to sign there as a free agent. But ultimately, sources said, the Warriors opted to respect the wishes James had made clear and the Lakers signaled they would grant.”

Bronny’s drafting was met with outrage and skepticism.

He didn’t help his case much during the NBA Summer League when he averaged six points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game and shot a minuscule 13% from 3-point range and 32.7% from the field.

Though Bronny has taken quite a bit of heat for the perceived nepotism that led to him landing in L.A., Lakers owner Jeannie Buss was bullish about his potential.

“We have to let the kid have an opportunity to play and prove that he should be in a Laker uniform,” Buss told AM 570 LA Sports back in August. “Everything that we’ve seen from him and about him and his work ethic and just some of the things that he’s had to overcome, being the son of a big star, he works hard, he’s dedicated and he really wants to do this. If we can have a roster of players with that same mentality, then I think the sky is the limit.”

Bronny will start the season in the G League.

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