Los Angeles Lakers draft Bronny James
The Los Angeles Lakers made a historic move by selecting Bronny James out of USC with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft. This pick, typically overlooked, has become a topic of intense discussion for reasons we all know. Assuming LeBron James Sr. opts in and signs an extension with the Lakers in the coming days, he and his firstborn son, Bronny James Jr., will be the first father-son duo to play in the NBA simultaneously and will also be teammates, creating history two times with one stone. Furthering this historic year for the NBA draft, for the first time in NBA draft history, the second round was televised. It took place the following day of round one, marking a significant shift in the league's dynamics.
The news of Bronny's selection was met with an emotional celebration. Surrounded by his family and loved ones at an intimate dinner in New York, Bronny received the call from the Lakers. According to ESPN, LeBron James Sr. initiated a 'very emotional' champagne toast to mark this historic occasion.
When asked about the importance of this moment, Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka said, “In the history of the NBA, there's never been a father and a son that have shared an NBA basketball court, and that feels like something that could be magical… NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform.”
Bronny, 19, averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game in one season at USC. Before the start of his collegiate career, Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest that required surgery to treat what was diagnosed as a congenital heart defect. This health scare resulted in him being sidelined for nearly five months, only medically cleared to join the team mid-season.
Bronny’s path to the NBA has been unique filled with challenges and triumphs. From shouldering the expectations of being the son of the greatest basketball player ever to overcoming a life-threatening event on the court, his journey is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. His story is bound to inspire many, showing that one can overcome any obstacle with resilience and determination.
Bronny’s draft stock was a topic of hot debate. After the draft combine in Chicago, James Jr. saw a spike in his stock. He finished among the top performers in the 3-point shooting drills and impressed scouts with his exceptional agility drills. Along with his impressive combined performance, Bronny has been wow-ing scouts and general managers even more off the court. "Bronny is, first and foremost, a person of high character," Pelinka said. "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 corps at the Lakers."
The defensive end will be one of the ways in which Bronny James can make his mark in the league. “He's very good defensively," said Lakers All-Star Anthony Davis, who also supported the team targeting Bronny. "He can read the floor very well. I think he's a really good playmaker. I saw him work out a couple times besides the [Klutch Sports] pro day and working with a big -- his reads, reading the defense, making the right passes -- that was really impressive to me. I think he's going to be fine, man. Obviously, it's a lot of pressure on him, with his dad being who he is. But one thing about Bronny, from what I've seen and what I heard, he wants to create his own path, and he doesn't want to be -- even though he's LeBron James' son, he don't want to be seen as that. And I think having that mindset and trying to create his own path is going to work out for him. Who knows, he might come in and be ready to play for us."
Bronny hopes to model his game in the NBA after the likes of defensive-focused players such as Davion Mitchell, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White. "I think he's going to be a point-of-attack defender that can really be disruptive with the way he guards other teams' point guards," Pelinka said. "I think he can guard multiple positions. And we've really seen growth in shooting. We really think he can turn into being an elite shotmaker. Just a 3-and-D player, for sure."
Bronny will officially wear number 9 in honor of the late musical artist Juice WRLD when the Lakers begin the NBA Summer League on July 12 in Las Vegas against the Houston Rockets.
How will Bronny perform in the NBA/G-League? Will his career be short-lived like his experience at USC? Comment your thoughts below!