NBA
Which NBA teams will Bronny James do pre-draft workouts with?
The draft prospects of LeBron James’ teenage son are back up after the NBA Draft Combine. Could they team up at the Lakers?
There has been no shortage of speculation surrounding the future of Bronny James, the son of NBA icon LeBron James. After just one year at USC, James Jr has decided to enter the 2024 NBA Draft, which will take place on 26 and 27 June.
James Jr’s draft prospects looking up after NBA Combine
Before suffering a cardiac arrest in July last year (he has since received medical clearance for the draft), Bronny had been projected as a No. 17 first-round pick in an ESPN mock draft for this year. His stock had fallen considerably after a difficult freshman year (to be expected under the circumstances) and there was some recent suggestion he might not be drafted at all, despite his surname and profile.
Things, however, now appear to be looking up for him once again following the NBA Draft Combine, at which he impressed a number of teams around the league.
Will LeBron and Bronny James play together for the Lakers?
Of course, LeBron has said on several occasions that he would like to play with his son before he retires, which would he a historic first in the NBA. Some reports have claimed the LA Lakers, who hold the No. 17 and 55 picks, are said to be willing to draft Bronny if that then ensures LeBron, who could enter free agency at the end of the season, stays on.
James Jr seems less a little less bothered about teaming up with his father, although there has been contact between the 19-year-old and the Lakers, which suggests a move to Los Angeles could be on the cards.
That said, with LeBron potentially entering free agency at the end of June, the two could even link up elsewhere, which adds an interesting, alternative dynamic.
Bronny James set for Lakers and Suns workouts
Following the NBA Draft Combine, Bronny has received “over 10 workout invites,” according to journalist Shams Charania of The Athletic. However, he is “expected to only visit a few teams, including the Lakers and the Suns.”
Phoenix has the No. 22 draft pick and could opt to use it on James, unless the Lakers beat them to it, of course.
Whichever team he joins, however, he won’t be signing a two-way contract allowing him to move between the G-League and the NBA, with agent Rich Paul revealing “teams know” that he won’t be doing that and will be taking up a full roster spot if drafted.