Many people have speculated where Bronny James would land in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Los Angeles Lakers were the obvious favorites, but there was never any confirmation.
On the night of Round Two, former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers floated a story that Bronny's agent, Rich Paul, threatened to bring his client to Australia if the other NBA teams picked him. When the smoke cleared, James Jr. ended up where he was supposed to be, at least according to Fox Sports' Skip Bayless .
"I don't care if LeBron James bullied and strong-armed the NBA in staying away from Bronny James until he fell all the way to the Lakers, 55 in the second round," said Bayless. "I don't care because Bronny James belongs with LeBron James. Bronny James can handle playing alongside his all-time great father, the greatest scorer in the history of the NBA. Bronny James was born for this, made for this."
Why Bronny was the right pick for L.A.
Bayless has always been one of LeBron 's staunchest critics. But surprisingly, throughout the entire draft process, he has been very supportive of Bronny potentially playing alongside his father in Los Angeles.
Shortly after NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum read Bronny's name, Skip went to Twitter to give his reaction. After defending LeBron from Myers' alleged bullying tactics, he gave a myriad of reasons why the Lakers made a good choice by selecting James Jr.
"This is a tough kid, mentally tough, physically tough kid," added Skip. "Perfect compliment, born to play alongside his dad. He's a catch-and-shoot three-point shooter, he will soon play high-level NBA defense, he's got a backbone for basketball and a feel for the game somewhere in the realm of his father's…This is a great kid, great character. This is beautiful. I can't wait to watch this. LeBron earned the right to make this happen. Way to go! Here we go!"
Making history
Bronny had been one of the most intriguing draft prospects ever because of his father. Last year, ESPN projected him to be a lottery pick. But after he suffered a cardiac arrest and had an underwhelming freshman season at USC, his draft stock plummeted.
Despite that, LeBron's eldest son declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. He tried to build up his name by joining the NBA Draft Combine and did well. Bronny worked for only two teams—the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns—but there was never a confirmation if either team would draft him.
However, the Lakers made history by making LeBron and Bronny the first father and son to play together in the NBA. Of course, The King still has a contract to sign, but after the Lakers drafted his son, it's safe to say he's a lock to stay in L.A.
Related: "I want the separation between the two, and I believe he want that separation" - Kendrick Perkins urges Bronny to step out of his father's shadow and make a name for himself
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