Bronny James Drafted by Lakers
Bronny James was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old guard is the son of LeBron James, the NBA's all-time scoring leader.
The Lakers selected Bronny James in the second round of the draft, which was presented by State Farm. The pick was announced by NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum.
This move brings Bronny James one step closer to playing in the NBA alongside his father. LeBron James can become a free agent next week, which could affect the possibility of the two playing together.
The Lakers' general manager, Rob Pelinka, said that the team sees Bronny James' potential and has a plan for his development. Pelinka also mentioned that the possibility of LeBron and Bronny James playing together would be "magical" and make NBA history.
Bronny James may make his debut in a Lakers uniform on July 12 in Las Vegas, in the franchise's summer league opener against the Houston Rockets. The young guard was listed at 6-foot-4 on Southern California's roster but measured at 6 feet, 1 1/2 inches at the Draft combine.
Bronny James wrote on Instagram that he is **"beyond blessed"** to be drafted by the Lakers. His father, LeBron James, has played for the Lakers since 2018.
The Lakers' war room was ecstatic after picking Bronny James, as seen in a video posted by NBA on ESPN. Pelinka praised Bronny James' character and work ethic, saying that he is a **"person of high character"** and **"works incredibly hard"**.
Bronny James and LeBron James become the first father-son duo to be in the NBA at the same time. They may also become the first father-son duo to play together in the league, which would be an NBA first.
The draft move doesn't guarantee that father and son will actually play in a game together, but it raises the possibility. There have been about 100 instances in NBA history of players joining the league after their fathers played, but those always came at least five years after the father's career ended.
LeBron James' incredible longevity makes the father-son duo possible. He will match Vince Carter for the longest career as an NBA player ever this coming season, which will be his 22nd in the league.
The Lakers' selection of Bronny James may be seen as a move to keep LeBron James on the team. However, Pelinka insisted that the team has a plan for Bronny James' development and sees his potential.
Bronny James is a guard who was born just before the start of his father's second NBA season. He was drafted on June 27, 2024, and may make his debut in a Lakers uniform soon.