NBA Teams Discuss Drafting Bronny on Day 1 to Lure Lakers Star

LeBron James has a player option for next season, which means teams around the league might have a chance to add the all-time great this summer.

And those teams are reportedly discussing all avenues to improve their chances of doing just that, even if it means drafting his son Bronny earlier than expected.

Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday that multiple NBA executives said Bronny James has been given first-round consideration as a way to convince the King to sign in free agency.

“If you’re a contender and you’re not having those conversations, it’s irresponsible,” an executive said.

However, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium previously reported that the older James joining a team outside the Los Angeles Lakers just because they drafted his son is “not a given. That’s not something that’s going to be preordained.”

Woike reported the Lakers are seen as the “floor” for the younger James since they have the No. 55 overall pick of the upcoming NBA draft.

For his part, Bronny James said, “Honestly, I feel like this is a serious business. And I don’t feel like there would be a thought of, ‘I’m just drafting this kid just because I’m gonna get his dad.’ Like, I don’t think a GM would really allow that.” 

Still, Woike reported “contending teams have discussed drafting Bronny as early as the 20s despite not having cap space to make LeBron a max offer. Maybe, the thinking is, James would actually consider signing for the midlevel exception if they drafted his son.”

If nothing else, those family connections appear to be helping Bronny James’ draft stock, as he otherwise likely wouldn’t be seen as a serious draft candidate after averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting only 36.6 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from deep during his only collegiate season at USC.

Although there is potential there, those are the types of numbers usually put up by a freshman who is going to return to college and improve his game with more experience.

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman did not project James to be drafted in his latest mock draft.

However, the LeBron James factor is at least something that is being seriously considered.