The 19-year-old guard was selected Thursday by the franchise in the second round of the draft.
Published on 06/28/2024 09:52
Reading time: 2 min LeBron James and Bronny James, March 28, 2023, in Houston (United States). (GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)
Following in his father’s footsteps? The Los Angeles Lakers selected LeBron James’ son, Bronny James, in the second round of the NBA Draft on Thursday, June 27. An expected choice that is not surprising since the NBA legend has said several times that he wants to play in the same jersey as his eldest child. Never have a father and son played in the NBA at the same time.
“My last year I will play with my son“, LeBron James said The Athleticin 2022. “Wherever Bronny is, that’s where I’ll be.” “I will do whatever it takes to play with my son“, he insisted. “At this point, it’s no longer about money.“
A 1.88m rear, LeBron James Jr (19), his real name, was selected in 55th position, almost at the end of a draft which only had 58 choices. But observers question Bronny James’ ability to fit into the NBA, with the player lacking size and coming off a relatively anonymous season in college.
With USC (University of Southern California), Bronny James averaged only 4.8 points, with a mediocre shooting range (37%). Only two teams, the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, had invited him for a pre-draft training session. His presence on the court was, in itself, a small miracle, because the young man suffered a cardiac arrest last July. Revived, he underwent surgery for a heart defect, before being cleared to play again, at the end of November, by the medical staff.
The four-time NBA champion winger has nevertheless softened his position in recent months, and in the opinion of several specialists, was no longer considering leaving the Lakers if his son had been selected by another franchise. LeBron James’ current contract has a clause allowing him to end his commitment by Saturday and then be able to sign wherever he wants. He has not yet announced his decision.
If he does not exercise this clause, the last year of his contract with Los Angeles will be automatically activated. At 39, LeBron James shows almost no signs of slowing down and last season put up statistics never seen before for a player his age. He was again elected to the All-NBA Third Team.
“When I think of the Los Angeles Lakers, I think of a franchise where basketball history is played out“, team general manager Rob Pelinka said at a news conference.And in the history of the NBA, never have a father and his son stepped on the same floor.“
“This seems like something that could be magical“, added the official. If LeBron James “is part of our team next season, he could make history.“Rob Pelinka justified the choice of Bronny James by saying that the fullback had”worked for everything he got, including his selection” by the Lakers.
2024-06-28 10:22:51
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