The LOS Angeles Lakers selected LeBron James’ eldest son, Bronny James, with the 55th pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, setting up a historic opportunity for a father-son duo to play on the same team.
“In NBA history, there’s never been a father and son playing together on an NBA basketball court and it feels like something that could be magical,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka was quoted as saying by ESPN on Friday (28/6).
“We know, and of course have to respect, that LeBron James has a decision to make regarding his contract options, but if all goes well and he’s on our team next season, NBA history could be made. And NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform,” he continued.
Bronny James, 19, averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game in one season with the USC Trojans.
He joined the Trojans midway through the season after missing nearly five months while recovering from a heart attack and requiring surgery to correct a congenital heart defect.
Bronny James has been medically cleared to enter the 2024 NBA Draft and is eligible to be selected by an NBA team.
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The former McDonald’s All American had a meteoric rise in the 2024 NBA Draft when he showed strong agility and was one of the best three-point shooters.
“First and foremost, Bronny is a high-character guy,” Pelinka said. “And secondly, he’s a young man who works extremely hard. Those are the qualities we look for when we take players and add them to our development team at the Lakers.”
LeBron James, previously, reportedly turned down a $51.4 million contract extension offer from the Lakers for the 2024-2025 season. However, the official and final decision on the option has not been announced until now.
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LeBron James has until Sunday (6/30) to decide on his one-year extension option for his contract with the Lakers.
If LeBron James accepts the option, it would make history as a father-son duo playing on the same NBA team. If LeBron James declines the option, he will become a free agent in the NBA.
The Lakers are reportedly focused on retaining LeBron James for a 22nd season and beyond, with the Lakers reportedly willing to offer him a three-year, $162 million maximum contract.
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Lakers All-Star Anthony Davis says he supports the team targeting Bronny James.
“He’s very good defensively,” Davis said.
“He can read the game well. I think he is a very good playmaker. I saw him train a few times and play with the big players. The way he reads the game, reads the defense, makes the right passes, that really impressed me.”
“But one thing about Bronny, from what I’ve seen and what I’ve heard, he wants to create his own path. Even though he’s LeBron James’ son, he doesn’t want to be seen that way,” Davis concluded. (Ant/Z-1)
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