It’s anyone’s guess how realistic the idea of Bronny James leaving USC after his freshman season is. But at the very least, the potential outcome where he does opt to enter the 2024 NBA draft will be an interesting situation to monitor.
Even more intriguing than that is looking at a hypothetical world where Bronny somehow winds up teaming up with his dad, LeBron James. If the cards were to fall in the Lakers’ favor, it’s actually not all that crazy of a scenario at all.
A recent breakdown of how the 2024 NBA draft could play out, which leads to the younger James landing in Los Angeles, was laid out by ESPN insider Bobby Marks, and it may not require as many moving pieces as you think.
Marks was asked if he believes a team would draft Bronny in an attempt to lure LeBron to their team, which the insider deemed unlikely. But he pointed to a very realistic potential path where the Lakers could draft Bronny in 2024.
“Now, what would be interesting here … what happens when we get into the 20s … of course, we’re going to be focused on what happens with that Laker first,” Marks said on NBA Today. “Remember, New Orleans has the Lakers’ first but can defer to 2025 here. So if that pick is at 23 or 24 and the Lakers had that, would they take Bronny James to pair up with his dad?”
Will a GM draft Bronny just to lure LeBron to their team? 🧐 @BobbyMarks42 doesn't think so. pic.twitter.com/ggO3hDCL4z
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 11, 2023
That potential scenario playing out would be one of the most memorable moments in NBA draft history. It would also surely be the happiest day of LeBron’s life, as he’s discussed a world where he gets to team up with his son on numerous occasions.
For what it’s worth, we’re extremely far from this even being a serious conversation. But it’s fun to think about. Bronny played his first-ever collegiate game over the weekend with the Trojans, and there’s no question that there will be plenty of eyes on him throughout the rest of the season.
