The highly anticipated NBA Draft combine has been set alight with news of Bronny James, son of basketball legend LeBron James, declaring eligibility.
Reports confirm that he has been medically cleared by the NBA to participate in the event. This green signal formally shifts the focus to the franchises potentially picking James.
There was a time when Bronny James was looked at as a prospective lottery pick. However, after a less than stellar stint at the University of Southern California (USC), his draft stock has suffered.
Now, opinion predominantly suggests he’s destined to be a second-round talent. In light of James’ medical update, Brian Windhorst, a renowned insider at ESPN, offered his perspective.
He highlighted that securing the young talent doesn’t promise a franchise an NBA all-star presence. According to Windhorst, there is speculation that LeBron might opt out from his ongoing contract.
As he stated about LeBron, “I do believe he’s going to opt out of his contract… and leaving optionality for playing with Bronny is on the list but I don’t think it’s at the top. I do think he’s going to be back with the Lakers.”
Windhorst conveyed Bronny’s agent Rich Paul’s sentiments- picking Bronny doesn’t assure a franchise of bagging LeBron in the deal.
“If the Lakers have opportunity to draft Bronny James, they will do so. Whether that’s with the 55th pick or if they make another deal around the draft where they pick up a another pick. I think they will try. I don’t think it’s going to be their top priority.”
Brian Windhorst on Bronny James being medically cleared for the NBA: "Over the last few months, Rich Paul, who's the agent for LeBron and Bronny James has made an effort to part the concept that drafting Bronny James means you're getting LeBron. I do believe LeBron's going to opt… pic.twitter.com/Dk8PHIfJT4
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 13, 2024
Bronny is expected to be picked during the second round of the NBA Draft as the earliest. With the Lakers holding the 55th overall pick.
