Scouts haven't been kind to Bronny James in the pre-draft process, and his latest move doesn't seem to reverse many positions.
The son of the NBA's all-time leading scorer declared for next month's NBA Draft despite averaging fewer than five points per game in his lone collegiate season at USC (he also entered the transfer portal and was able to opt out of the draft).
James was a McDonald's All-American last summer but, a couple of months later, suffered cardiac arrest during practice.
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Bronny James shoots a free throw during the 2024 NBA Basketball Draft Combine in Chicago on May 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Despite one scout calling him “not an NBA prospect” and another adding that he would be surprised if he was drafted, Bronny still has some interest; in fact, he is quite tall.
According The Athletic“More than 10” teams invited Bronny to work out for them before the draft, but he turned down all but two.
The two teams he will supposedly train for are his father's Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix is ”considering” Bronny with the 22nd pick; the Lakers own the 17th pick.
USC Trojans guard Bronny James during the UCLA Bruins game on Feb. 24, 2024, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. (Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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The Lakers are reportedly considering drafting James to keep his father around: James has a player option where his deadline is two days after the draft.
James has long talked about his desire to play with his son, but new reports say his main goal is to develop his son, rather than play with him.
However, his agent, Rich Paul, said James is a “free agent” late last week; It may have been a Freudian slip, but it was revealing.
“We will evaluate the situation,” he added, “and we will make the best decision.”
Bronny James talks with his father LeBron James after the 2023 McDonald's High School All American Boys game at the Toyota Center. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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If James opts out (he must make more than $51 million), he could be eligible to sign a three-year, $161.9 million contract with Los Angeles.
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