In perhaps the least surprising selection of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Lakers have signed Bronny James Jr. drafted, the son of Lakers superstar LeBron James. It’s a monumental moment that marks the first time a father-son duo has been active NBA players — and possibly the first time a father-son duo has been teammates, depending on what happens with LeBron this summer. The 19-year-old Bronny is a 6-foot-4 3-and-D guard who will likely spend most of next season in the G League. After going into cardiac arrest last summer, it’s a miracle Bronny was able to play basketball again, let alone continue his dream of playing in the NBA. He still has a ways to go as a prospect, but the Lakers are revamping their player development staff and strategy and are confident they can maximize his potential.
In theory, this selection should solidify LeBron’s return to the Lakers, either in the form of an option on his $51.4 million contract or an opt-out and re-signing. At the same time, LeBron and his agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul — who also happens to be Bronny’s agent — have denied that the two are a package deal. Only time will tell. Either way, this is a historic moment and yet another example of the Lakers going out of their way to accommodate their superstars, which is a huge point of pride for the organization.
