Recently, news that Bronny James would be entering the 2024 NBA Draft has made experts from all over the league very excited. A lot of guesses have been made about the team Bronny James will join based on how well he can convince scouts to sign him.
As for the Los Angeles Lakers, they will be the NBA team that wants to sign Bronny James the most. The main reason is that LeBron James said he wаnted to play with his son for a season, no matter what team’s shirt they wore.
LeBron James’s deal with the Lakers has an option to add one more year in the 2024–25 season, but the 39-year-old superstar has not used it. The Los Angeles Lakers can keep LeBron James, though, if they pick Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft.
The Sporting News will talk about the Los Angeles Lakers’ chances to get Bronny James in the player draft this summer.
Los Angeles Lakers Picks in 2024 NBA Draft
In the 2024 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers do not have many options. The Lakers’ first-round pick is currently owned by the New Orleans Pelicans following the Anthony Davis trade in 2019.
However, there is a special provision in this Pick, when the New Orleans Pelicans can choose to switch to the 2025 NBA Draft. Looking at the fact that the 2024 player class does not have many outstanding names, the Pelicans can completely wait. come next summer and return the 1st round Pick of the 2024 NBA Draft to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers’ second round pick is owned by the San Antonio Spurs after a series of previous complicated exchange deals. However, the Lakers did not go empty-handed in round 2, as they still had the Los Angeles Clippers’ Pick.
Lakers 2024 1st Round Pick: Owned by New Orleans Pelicans, could move to 2025 NBA Draft.Lakers 2024 2nd Round Pick: Owned by San Antonio Spurs.Clippers 2024 2nd Round Pick: Owned by Los Angeles Lakers.
Predict Bronny James’s ability to be selected in the 2024 NBA Draft
Before the 2023/24 season started, Bronny James was rated quite well. Some predictions even sаy that the eldest son of the James family can rise to the Picks from 25th to 30th place.
However, after a season that did not leave any mark, Bronny James was no longer mentioned in the 60 predictions for the 2024 NBA Draft. Not to mention, concerns about Bronny’s cardiac arrest at the beginning The season also made many teams not dare to take risks in choosing this player.
But with the 2024 NBA Draft more than 2 months away, the opportunity for Bronny James is still there. If he can impress in practice sessions or the Draft Combine, Bronny can completely enter the group of selected players in the 2024 NBA Draft.
LeBron James’ contract
In August 2022, LeBron James signed a 2-year contract extension worth $99 million with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, this contract has an extension option based on the player’s decision during the 2024/25 season. This means, LeBron James can completely activate this clause to stay with the Lakers, or become a free agent in the summer of 2024.
This move is because LeBron James wants to wait to see Bronny James’s next developments before the 2024 NBA Draft. If the Lakers choose Bronny, LeBron James will activate the extension. If it were another team, it is likely that the 39-year-old star would join that team on a free transfer.