Welcome to the Lake Show! Los Angeles draft Bronny Jr. with the 55th Pick in the 2024 NBA Draft
In a surprising yet not so surprising draft move at number 55 the Los Angeles Lakers make history to draft LeBron “Bronny” James Jr. The 6-foot-2 guard from the University of Southern California, has met another significant milestone in his career but also etches his name into the annals of NBA history. What many were expecting, a few were not and wondering why wouldn’t they leave Bronny on the board for someone else such as D.J. Burns of NC State.
Well, as most can speculate the Lakers quieted the noise and choose the historic route. As many have known for years now that Lebron’s goal was to play basketball with his son Bronny. Some could assume that may be he meant “sons” as Byrce James will be eligble for the NBA Draft in 2026. The Los Angeles Lakers are currently expected to offer the illustrious King James a $162 Million three- year extension leading into the 2026-2027 season. So, could the stars be aligning for the James Gang?
From a young age, Bronny was a major talking point in basketball circles. While much of the early hype was due to his famous last name, Bronny’s game has evolved and matured, setting the stage for his moment in the spotlight.
The Journey to the Draft
Despite his heritage, Bronny’s path to the draft was not without challenges. Unlike his father, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2003, Bronny’s freshman season at USC was less than stellar, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. The season was marred by an underperforming Trojans squad and a personal health scare when Bronny suffered cardiac arrest during a practice in July, setting back his preparation for the college season.
Bronny returned to the court in December, showing glimpses of his potential, notably scoring 15 points against Oregon State. However, his overall performance left some scouts and executives hesitant about his NBA prospects.
Overcoming Doubts and Making History
Despite mixed reviews, Bronny’s lineage and resilience kept him in the conversation. NBA executives often find it hard to separate the player from the name, but history shows that the sons of NBA players frequently exceed expectations. Names like Jalen Brunson, Domantas Sabonis, and Stephen Curry are prime examples of second-generation players outplaying their draft positions.
"You don't want to rank him high just because of his father, so maybe you underrank," an anonymous Eastern Conference GM told Yahoo Sports' Tom Haberstroh.
Many believed LeBron James’ desire to play with his son in the NBA would influence Bronny’s draft position. LeBron had famously declared his wish to share the court with Bronny before retiring. However, his agent, Rich Paul, clarified that while LeBron would love to play with his son, it was not a determining factor for Bronny’s career.
A New Chapter Begins
Bronny concluded his high school career at Sierra Canyon as a four-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American, averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals in his senior year. Despite the ups and downs, Bronny’s dedication and hard work have brought him to this moment.
Now, donning the iconic purple and gold, Bronny James embarks on his NBA journey with the Los Angeles Lakers. His drafting is more than a personal achievement; it’s a testament to perseverance, talent, and the enduring legacy of the James family in basketball.
As Bronny steps onto the NBA court, fans and critics alike will watch closely to see how his story unfolds. Will he carve out his own legacy in the league? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Bronny James is ready to write his chapter in the history of basketball.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, the story of Bronny James serves as a reminder that the journey to greatness is paved with both challenges and triumphs. How will this next chapter of the James legacy influence the future of the Lakers and the league? We are all eagerly waiting to find out.
