The decision by Bronny James to declare for the upcoming NBA draft has led to plenty of speculation about where his father LeBron James will be playing basketball next season.
Bronny James played in 25 games with the USC Trojans during the 2023-24 season and averaged 4.8 points per game, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. His minutes were limited due to a cardiac arrest issue prior to the season, but he has now been medically cleared for the 2024 draft.
LeBron James has previously stated his desire to play alongside his son in the NBA and it now appears that could be a real possibility. The four-time league MVP is permitted to opt-out of his current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, which would open up the possibility to join forces with any team that drafts his son.
Few people know LeBron James career and thinking better than Brian Windhorst. According to the NBA analyst, James will likely opt-out of his contract, but playing alongside Bronny is not the main reason behind the move.
“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,” said Windhorst on ESPN. “I do believe LeBron’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.”
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
There are several reasons for James to decline the one-year contract extension with the main benefit being the possibility of renegotiating a lucrative long-term deal. At 39 years old, this may be his best opportunity to secure a colossal contract.
Windhorst did go on to say that he envisions LeBron James returning to the Lakers next season. Whether the franchise will use one of the draft picks on Bronny James remains to be seen.
