LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., son of the renowned NBA star LeBron James, has become the latest addition to the Los Angeles Lakers, selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA draft. This development comes just days after reports suggested James Sr. was considering opting out of his contract and exploring free agency options. The Lakers have also appointed JJ Redick, a friend and podcast co-host of James Sr., as their new head coach.
If James Sr. decides to remain with the Lakers, history would be made as it would mark the first instance of a father and son playing together on the same NBA team.
Prior to the draft, agent Rich Paul, who also represents James Sr., was making calls to teams, warning them, “Don’t take Bronny James. If you do, he’s going to Australia.” The decision to draft James Jr. was met with skepticism, particularly given his underwhelming freshman season at the University of Southern California, where he averaged 4.8 points per game on 36.6% field goal percentage, 26.7% from three-point range, and 67.7% from the free-throw line.
Following a sudden cardiac arrest last August, James Jr. entered the NBA draft and NCAA transfer portal. He worked out with only two teams, the Lakers and Phoenix Suns, and his agent reportedly refused to consider a two-way contract, which would have allowed teams to split his time between the NBA and the developmental G-League.
The decision now rests with James Sr., who has until June 29 to opt out of his contract or re-sign with the Lakers on a three-year, $162 million deal, reportedly offered by the team.
