Bronny James Just Got One Step Closer to Becoming a Laker
By Cem Yolbulan
The 2024 NBA Playoffs are continuing but the Los Angeles Lakers have already turned their attention to the offseason after being bounced in the first round by the Denver Nuggets. They have to hire a new head coach, re-sign LeBron James, and transform the roster to have a shot at being a title contender for the 2024-25 season.
Obviously, the most important thing for the Lakers this offseason will be retaining LeBron James. Without that, the franchise has no chance of competing and should probably rebuild. One of the most important factors in LeBron's decision for his next team will be his son Bronny James.
LeBron has been clear about his desire to play on the same team as his son. If the Lakers want to ensure that they keep their superstar, it behooves them to find a way to get Bronny this summer.
Now, it looks like there is nothing standing in the way of that. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Bronny James is staying in the 2024 NBA Draft after being cleared by the league office.
Bronny James Cleared by the League to Stay in the 2024 NBA Draft
Sources: Bronny James is expected to stay in the 2024 NBA Draft. The USC freshman has been fully cleared to play in the league as part of Fitness to Play panel and will participate in all pre-draft activities starting with the Draft Combine this week. pic.twitter.com/UDf3HanCAS
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 13, 2024
This was a major hurdle to clear for Bronny James. He had suffered a cardiac arrest caused by a congenital heart defect in the summer of 2023, jeopardizing his basketball career. However, he was able to make his return to the hardwood less than five months removed from the incident.
In his freshman season at USC, James wasn't able to produce at the level some had hoped for. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 36.6% shooting from the field in 19.4 minutes per game.
That doesn't scream NBA prospect but some teams will certainly be interested in drafting him for two reasons. One, it would increase their chances of signing LeBron James. Two, it will give them leverage against the Lakers, who will presumably want to trade assets to land Bronny.
It is excellent news that Bronny James was deemed healthy enough to continue his basketball career in the NBA. Whether it's with the Lakers or another team, let's hope the young man has a healthy and impactful career in the NBA.
On FanDuel Sportsbook, the Lakers are heavy favorites at +185 to draft Bronny James. They are followed by the likes of the Knicks, Heat, Cavs, Sixers, and Thunder, but they are all long shots at +1400, highlighting the likelihood of Bronny and LeBron uniting in a Lakers uniform.
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