Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
New York Post
Bronny James picked by Lakers in second-round 2024 NBA Draft scheme
By Peter Botte,
2 days ago
It’s officially Showtime for LeBron James’ son.
Bronny James was drafted 55th overall Thursday by his dad’s team, the Lakers, in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
The move follows months of debate and speculation about the possibility of Bronny’s teaming up with the 39-year-old LeBron — a 20-time All-Star and the league’s all-time scoring leader — in Los Angeles.
Bronny James’ time at USC didn’t go how most expected. AP
The famous scion departed USC following his freshman season, and they will become the first father-son duo to play together in NBA history.
“I just want to … have people know my name is Bronny James and not be identified as just LeBron James’ son,” Bronny James, who did not attend the draft, said last month at the league’s scouting combine. “I would be happy about getting to the league instead of me thinking about playing with my dad. But that’s not my mindset at all. I’m just trying to put in the work and see where it takes me.
“My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself.”
“Rich Paul is calling teams [and saying], ‘Don’t take Bronny James,’ ” Myers said, referring to the Klutch sports agent for the father-son duo. “He’s telling them, ‘Do not take him. If you take him, he’s going to Australia.’ So he has a plan and he has a place.”
Paul told ESPN the goal was to “find a team that values your guy and try to push him to get there. … Especially those in need of development like Bronny.”
Bronny James during the NBA Draft Combine. AP
Still, the younger James, who averaged 4.8 points on 36.6 percent shooting in 25 games for the Trojans, only worked out individually for two NBA teams in the lead-up to the draft, the Lakers and the Suns.
One scout told The Post last week that Bronny James is “fundamentally sound and plays the right way with an improving skill set and willingness to defend.”
But an NBA executive said that he wouldn’t even be talked about “if his name was Joe Thomas.”
Bronny James’ limited college career also was delayed until December after he suffered cardiac arrest — caused by a congenital heart defect — during workouts last summer.
But he enjoyed a strong showing at the combine, finishing third in the 3-point shooting drill and sixth with a vertical leap of 40.5 inches.
For the latest in sports, top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com/sports/
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Comments / 0