Lakers GM Justifies Bronny James Pick Amid LeBron James Buzz

In a draft move we had all seen coming for the past year, the Los Angeles Lakers officially selected LeBron James's oldest son.

Bronny James, who spent this past season at USC, where he averaged 4.8 points, grabbed 2.8 rebounds, and dished out 2.1 assists on 36.6% shooting, was the name called with the No. 55 pick.

While it became quite clear throughout the process that James would end up teaming up with his father in Los Angeles, given that he only worked out for two teams and his agent was threatening other teams about drafting him, this moment is still taking the internet by storm.

While many fans may think that this is a special case of nepotism forced by the elder James, with his agent making absurd requests for a client, the only thing that is different about this case is the fact that it's the son of LeBron James, and it's historic. As we have been hearing about all day, the NBA has never shied away from nepotism, and this is no exception.

On a more positive note, the two now become the first father-son duo to ever play in the NBA at the same time. Something that Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka talked about following the conclusion of the draft.

"Next season NBA history could be made," said Pelinka referring to the James' suiting up together. "And NBA history should be made in a Lakers' uniform. So that's just sort of globally how we feel about the draft moment, but more important than that is to talk about Bronny James as a basketball player because this is his day and he was the one selected with the 55th pick."

The moment is special for the family and the NBA, but many people wonder what the younger James brings to the table. Most analysts and teams felt he was a year away from being a year away in terms of preparedness, and that him entering the NBA at this time wasn't the best move for his career. Pelinka highlighted exactly why James was, in fact, the right pick and, in some aspects, is ready to contribute.

"Bronny is first and foremost a person of high character," Pelinka said of Bronny James. "And second, he is a young man that works incredibly hard. Those are the qualities we look for in drafting players and adding to our developmental core with the Lakers.

"He had a great draft workout with us where he displayed those qualities to me in a hour lunch that we shared in the building just to get to know each other. It became clear that he was a man of character. In terms of his work ethic, I think we've all seen that live out too. He's not a person that is ever taking shortcuts or expected or been entitled about basketball opportunities. He's worked for everything  that he's gotten including being selected today at 55."

Pelinka also provided insight on how new head coach JJ Redick, who was LeBron James' podcast co-host just a month ago, plans to develop Bronny.

"So it's an honor for us to add him to our program. Coach Reddick is already excited about putting a development plan around him to increase his basketball skills and turn him into the player that we think can impact and help this franchise."

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While his numbers didn't jump off the page in any aspect, at 6-foot-1 James does have a lengthy wingspan, has shown a willingness to defend, and came into college with shooting being his calling card. He will have a long way to go before he cracks the rotation, but for now, he and his family will likely enjoy the truly special moment.