With the approach of what many consider to be one of the least compelling drafts in recent NBA history, attention is unusually focused on a player who might normally linger in the second round.
This year, however, Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, is at the center of pre-draft discussions. Given his lineage, it’s hardly surprising that Bronny has become the most talked-about prospect of the 2024 NBA Draft.
The intense scrutiny surrounding Bronny is largely fueled by his father’s monumental career and LeBron’s own comments about his son’s burgeoning basketball journey. This spotlight adds significant pressure on Bronny, who might otherwise be a lesser-known prospect.
If not for his famous surname, Bronny might risk going undrafted. Yet, despite this, his potential as a player still warrants careful consideration.
Bronny’s path has been anything but ordinary. He faced a severe setback when he suffered a cardiac arrest during a summer workout before his freshman season at USC, which caused him to miss the first eight games.
This rocky start significantly hindered his ability to settle into college basketball, and he struggled to find his rhythm in Southern California, averaging just 4.8 points per game in 19 minutes and shooting only 26% from beyond the arc.
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There’s some debate among scouts about USC’s utilization of Bronny’s talents. Many believe he was misused, being played off the ball rather than at point guard—a position that might have better suited his high basketball IQ and pass-first mentality, reminiscent of his father.
At 6-foot-2, Bronny is considered undersized for an NBA guard and has not shown reliable shooting skills. This combination is typically challenging in the NBA, positioning James as a long-term developmental project rather than an immediate game-changer at the tender age of 19.
The speculation about which team will draft Bronny is rife, with betting odds placing the Lakers, LeBron’s current team, as the front-runners. Holding the 17th and 55th picks, the Lakers are seen as likely to select Bronny if he’s still available at 55, partly to appease LeBron, who has openly expressed a desire to play with his son.
Despite a possible opt-out from his contract, LeBron is expected to stay with the Lakers, and drafting Bronny could further secure his tenure.
Other teams like the Suns, with the 22nd pick, have also shown interest. Bronny has only worked out for the Lakers and Suns, indicating a strategic approach to his draft prospects guided by his agent, Rich Paul.
Team to select Bronny James in the draft odds
| TEAM | ODDS |
|---|---|
| Lakers | -110 |
| Suns | +1000 |
| Sixers | +1000 |
| Mavs | +1000 |
| Timberwolves | +1500 |
| Raptors | +1500 |
| Cavs | +1500 |
| Heat | +1800 |
| Jazz | +1800 |
Paul has indicated that drafting Bronny does not guarantee anything with LeBron’s future decisions, but selecting him could still be a low-risk, high-reward strategy for teams.
The Timberwolves, Mavericks, and Raptors have also emerged as potential destinations for Bronny, reflecting their interest in capitalizing on his marketability and potential upside.
Bronny’s projected draft position is around the mid-second round, specifically at 42.5. Mock drafts from sources like ESPN and The Ringer suggest the Lakers might pick him with the 55th selection.
The Sixers are another team to watch, owning the 16th and 41st picks and having the cap space and a contending roster that could attract LeBron if he were to become a free agent. While LeBron’s move to Philadelphia is unlikely, drafting Bronny could make the Sixers a more appealing option.
In his rookie year, Bronny is likely to spend considerable time in the G League, developing his skills. While it’s unusual for teams to use higher picks on players destined for developmental time, Bronny’s presence could boost ticket sales and merchandise revenue, and potentially, draw LeBron’s interest—a significant consideration for any team.
