Bronny James is ready to put in work, finally
By Nayan Brahmbhatt
(Source Clutch Points):
As the 2024 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes are on Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James. Despite being projected as a second-round pick, Bronny’s journey to the NBA is garnering significant attention. Initially, James planned to limit his pre-draft visits to two teams: the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns. However, recent developments indicate that he might be expanding his horizons.
Bronny’s agent, Rich Paul, recently revealed to The Stein Line that they are considering additional invitations for pre-draft workouts. “There are a few more invites under consideration,” Paul stated, indicating that the young guard is keeping his options open as the draft nears.
Bronny, who turns 20 in October, is projected to be a second-round pick on Day 2 of the draft, scheduled for June 27. He has already auditioned for the Suns, but this openness to more workouts suggests a strategic move to broaden his appeal and evaluate the best fit for his burgeoning career.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported on May 28 that at least 10 teams had reached out to James about in-person visits. Despite this interest, Bronny has been highly selective, a decision not uncommon among top-tier prospects but somewhat unusual for someone widely considered a second-round talent.
This selectiveness has fueled speculation about his draft prospects. According to Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, Bronny is projected to go 55th overall to the Lakers, potentially allowing him to team up with his father. “Rival teams sound uncertain about Bronny James’ chances of getting drafted, though the Los Angeles Lakers remain the popular guess as to his most likely destination,” Wasserman wrote.
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report echoed this sentiment, noting that the Lakers are “widely expected to draft Bronny either with one of their own two picks (Nos. 17 or 55) or by trading up in the second round.” However, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN has made it clear that the Lakers are not considering Bronny with their first-round pick. “The Lakers, to my understanding, they’re not considering Bronny James at No. 17,” Wojnarowski stated on The Woj Pod. “There’s no reason to take him at 17. If you wanted to take him earlier than 55, you could move up some places but you are just giving away value.”
Evaluating Bronny’s Draft Position
Bronny James’ draft position is a subject of intense debate. Many teams and scouts do not see him as an NBA-caliber player based on his current performance. His lone season at USC was underwhelming, where he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 25 games, starting six times. His season was also marred by a delay due to offseason heart surgery, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his immediate impact in the NBA.
Despite these concerns, the allure of drafting LeBron James’ son cannot be ignored. The connection to one of the greatest players in NBA history brings a level of attention and marketability that few other prospects can match. This is a significant factor driving the interest in Bronny, even among teams that might otherwise pass on a player of his current caliber.
The possibility of Bronny joining the Lakers has been a hot topic. Some speculate that the Lakers might feel pressured to draft him to maintain good relations with LeBron James. Passing on Bronny at No. 55 could be perceived as a slight against the James family, a risk the Lakers might not want to take. However, as Wojnarowski pointed out, using a first-round pick on Bronny would be an unnecessary sacrifice of value.
This speculation also raises questions about LeBron James’ future. If Bronny decides to work out for more teams and potentially gets drafted elsewhere, it could impact LeBron’s career decisions. Fans and analysts are eager to see if LeBron’s desire to play alongside his son in the NBA will influence his next move.
While Bronny James’ basketball skills have room for improvement, his potential extends beyond the court. His presence in the NBA would undoubtedly attract media attention and boost viewership, much like his father’s career has done. This potential for increased fan engagement makes him an attractive prospect, even if his immediate impact on the court is uncertain.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that Bronny’s draft prospects are heavily influenced by his lineage. As noted by various analysts, his declaration for the draft and subsequent interest are largely driven by his status as LeBron James’ son. This unique position brings both opportunities and challenges. Bronny will need to navigate the expectations and scrutiny that come with his famous last name while striving to carve out his own identity in the league.
With the 2024 NBA Draft just weeks away, the basketball world is watching closely to see where Bronny James will land. His decision to consider additional workouts suggests a strategic approach to finding the best fit for his career. Whether he ends up with the Lakers, the Suns, or another team, Bronny’s journey to the NBA will continue to be a major storyline.
Ultimately, Bronny’s success will depend on his ability to develop his skills and adapt to the professional level. While his current projection as a second-round pick reflects his potential rather than proven performance, the interest he generates highlights the unique position he occupies in the basketball landscape. As teams weigh the benefits of drafting him, Bronny James remains one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Nayan Brahmbhatt is an Associate Editor for ClutchPoints, with expertise in covering the NFL and NBA in particular. He’s a recent graduate from Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business living in Toronto, Ontario.
