The draft takes place June 26 and June 27

Bronny James' NBA options are dwindling for a surprising reason

Lapresse

One of the most intriguing storylines about the 2024 NBA Draft centers on where Bronny James will be selected — or if he will be selected at all. LeBron James‘ oldest son is among the most polarizing prospects in a polarizing draft, with a draft range somewhere between the 20s and 58th overall — the final pick in the draft.

Bronny‘s one season in the NCAA with the USC Trojans divided opinion. Some raved about his defense, and his display at the Draft Combine demonstrated his potential as a 3-point specialist. But Bronny played fewer than 500 minutes at the college level, which has given teams some concern, even though he has been declared healthy following his cardiac arrest last summer. However, another new worry for executives and draft experts centers on getting in touch with Bronny’s camp at all.

Bronny is being uber-selective

According to NBA draft expert Jonathan Givony, teams are struggling to get Bronny into their facilities for a workout. At this point in the draft process, with the event itself just over a week anyway, it seems clear that Bronny and his entourage have narrowed down their preferences to only a couple teams.

“NBA teams that I talk to say they cannot (get) Bronny James into their building,” Givony said Tuesday. “(These are) teams that are drafting in the late 20s and the 30s.”

Of course, one team that is interested in Bronny is the Los Angeles Lakers, where LeBron has played since 2018. The Lakers hold two picks in this draft — selections 17 and 55 — and many expect the franchise to use the latter on Bronny if he remains on the board.

The only other place where mutual interest exists is Phoenix, where Bronny has scheduled a second workout with the Suns later this week. Phoenix will be on the clock at 22nd overall, but some believe it will trade down to acquire more draft capital before selecting Bronny in the second round.

It appears as if these two Western Conference powers will duke it out for the right to draft LeBron’s son in hopes that he develops into a solid role player — and maybe more. All will become clear when the draft tips off from Barclays Center in New York City.