As the 2024 NBA Draft nears, Bronny James is the center of attention due to his name’s significance rather than his college play. Bronny, the son of LeBron James who is considered one of the best basketball players ever, has a draft position that is causing a lot of interest. Even though he is not expected to be chosen early in the draft, Bronny James is still a significant point of focus in draft talks because of the impact his selection could have.
Bronny James spent a year at USC, where his performance was average. He scored fewer than five points on average, shooting below 40% from the field, under 30% from three-point area, and below 70% from the free throw line. While individually unimpressive, the significance of Bronny’s draft position transcends his on-court performance.
The Influence of LeBron
LeBron James has stated that he wants to join his son in the NBA, sparking rumors about Bronny’s potential in the draft. Despite LeBron toning down his statements, with reports suggesting he won’t leave the Los Angeles Lakers to join Bronny, the potential move still crosses the minds of many. Teams are considering if drafting Bronny could lead to signing LeBron, even if just temporarily.
Forecast by professionals
Kevin O’Connor from The Ringer
Kevin O’Connor anticipates that the Los Angeles Lakers will choose Bronny James as the 55th overall pick. O’Connor acknowledges that it was inevitable for Bronny to end up in Los Angeles, given his decision to cancel workouts with all teams except the Lakers and the Suns. He recommends that even though Bronny may not be prepared for the NBA, the Lakers could take a low-risk approach by choosing him as a late second-round pick.
2024 NBA Draft: Where do experts believe Bronny James will be picked? https://t.co/hDOXBt1uLW
“It feels inevitable that Bronny will end up in Los Angeles after he canceled workouts with everyone but the Lakers and the Suns. But would L.A. really take him in the first round since he’s so unready for the NBA? It seems unfathomable. This spot is more likely.”
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report
Jonathan Wasserman also predicts that Bronny will be selected 55th overall by the Lakers. He highlights that if Bronny is available late in the second round, the Lakers might feel pressured to pick him. Wasserman points out that Bronny impressed with his shooting at the NBA combine and his defensive quickness at USC, suggesting he could develop into a viable three-and-D player.
“If he’s still on the board deep into the second round, L.A.’s front office could feel pressure to select him, considering it’s essentially a risk-free pick that late, and passing at No. 55 would signal to LeBron how little the team thinks of Bronny. However, he impressed with his shooting at the NBA combine, while James’ defensive quickness popped at USC. Though he’d likely spend next year earning G League reps and the South Bay Lakers’ extra attention, his shotmaking, foot speed, and IQ do create a viable three-and-D archetype and path to NBA success in the long term.”
Kyle Irving, Sporting News
Kyle Irving from Sporting News aligns with the other experts, predicting Bronny will be selected 55th overall by the Lakers. He underscores the notion that Bronny might not be seen as worthy of a second-round pick by many franchises, making the Lakers the most likely team to take a chance on him.
“It appears no shocking development will take place according to Sporting News’ Kyle Irving. With Bronny James being considered unworthy of a second-round pick by many franchises, the Lakers might be the only team willing to take a risk on the Prince.”
Bronny James
The Impact of Bronny’s Selection
The potential selection of Bronny James by the Lakers carries more than just familial significance. It could influence team dynamics, marketing strategies, and even ticket sales. The presence of LeBron James, should he choose to join his son, would be a monumental event in NBA history, drawing attention and boosting the profile of whichever team drafts Bronny.
Bronny’s next steps towards the future.
No matter which team selects him, Bronny James will encounter a difficult journey in showcasing his abilities in the NBA. It is probable that he will spend a lot of time in the G League, working on improving his skills and adapting to the professional level of competition. His ability to defend quickly and his potential to excel as a three-and-D player will be crucial aspects to concentrate on as he strives to establish a position in the league.
With the draft getting closer, the basketball community is eagerly following to see what’s next for Bronny James and how his selection could impact the NBA. The 2024 NBA Draft is expected to be unforgettable, with Bronny James as the focal point of its most captivating narrative.
Hannah Sanders, a trailblazing basketball writer with four years of experience, is renowned for her sharp analysis and riveting storytelling. Her website, a go-to for fans, offers deep dives into basketball’s intricacies. Hannah's ability to turn complex plays into captivating stories has earned her a dedicated following and industry acclaim, making her a standout voice in sports media.
