The 2024 NBA Draft is lacking superstar talent, and some of the biggest names in the class may not be selected. LeBron James’ eldest son, Bronny James, entered the draft after one season at the University of Southern California. James’ freshman year began with a frightening experience when he collapsed during practice in July and suffered a heart attack, and he never found his footing after returning to the lineup.
USC was a disappointment, finishing the season with less than a 50% win rate and missing the NCAA Tournament despite having another talented freshman guard in Isaiah Collier. James made his debut in December, primarily coming off the bench and stretching the floor and playing defense. He ended up averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game on 36.6% field goal shooting and 26.7% from three-point range.
It’s unusual for a freshman to be drafted into the NBA while averaging fewer than five points per game, but James is certainly no ordinary freshman. With the NBA Draft approaching June 26-27, James and his agent, Klutch Sports, appear to be steering teams away from James in order to steer him to a specific destination.
According to ESPN’s John Givony, NBA teams have been unable to invite James to workouts, with two major exceptions: James is on his father’s team. Los Angeles Lakers “We’re going to have a second workout with (the 17th and 55th picks).” Phoenix Suns (They have the 22nd pick.) Here is the latest report on Givony:
“Every NBA team I’ve spoken to has said they can’t have Bronny James on their team,” Givony said. “The understanding among teams is that his agent, Rich Paul, doesn’t want a two-way contract.” […] Bronny James is likely to fall to No. 55. I don’t think any NBA team wants to draft him and deal with the consequences.”
While it may seem like James is getting special treatment as the son of a legendary player, that’s not the case: Players and their agents are always working to get to a specific destination, especially those projected to be second-round picks. A recent example is Lakers guard Austin Reaves missing out on being selected 42nd overall by the Pistons. That would allow him to go undrafted and sign with LA.
Fred VanVleet is one such example. He turned down a second-round opportunity to go undrafted to choose his own team..
ESPN’s latest mock draft projects Bronny James to go to the Lakers No. 55. The Suns don’t currently have a second-round pick but could have one on draft day. Playing for Kevin Durant’s veteran Phoenix team would be a good outcome for James, but he seems destined to fulfill his father’s dream by being drafted by the Lakers.
SB Nation’s latest mock draft projects the Lakers to select G League Ignite forward Tyler Smith with the 17th pick.
The real question is, what does Bronny want? He shouldn’t be a dream pawn carrying on his father’s legacy. His career should be taken seriously on its terms. Playing alongside a famous father only adds pressure, and it’s natural to wonder what will happen once LeBron Sr. eventually retires.
Everything that has happened to Bronny this past year has been sad in a way. We scouted him extensively in high school and believed he was good enough to make it to the NBA without his father’s help. His heart issues and pressure from his father have sidelined his career. It’s going to be sink or swim soon.
