Which NBA teams might actually consider drafting Bronny James?

It can be difficult to follow in the footsteps of a legend, especially when that person is their son. Bronny James’ basketball journey is only just beginning, but it may unfold in a notable way this summer. LeBron James’ oldest child is set to make the leap from college to the NBA, and we’ll take a look at who might draft the NBA legend’s son, and how Bronny got here in the past year.

Bronny James announced on Instagram in early April that he was declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft. Fox Sports pasted his post in their report, “I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete. I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintain my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA transfer portal,” Bronny wrote.

It might have been hard to predict this outcome several months ago. In July 2023, Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest during a basketball practice at the University of Southern California. He was rushed to the intensive care unit, according to CNN, and his condition was quickly stabilized. Still, the medical incident put his athletic future in some doubt.

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James was medically cleared to play, and appeared in the majority of the USC Trojans’ basketball games. He played in 25 games, starting in six of those contests. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in just over 19 minutes a night, according to Sports Reference.

Those numbers don’t exactly jump off the screen, which has raised questions about his desire to consider jumping to the NBA at this point and time. Athlon Sports quoted one NBA general manager as saying, “Bronny is nowhere near ready. He should go back to school to develop at his own pace or he risks getting lost in the shuffle, whether or not he’s playing with his dad.”

The Athletic mimicked that sentiment, writing in February that Bronny’s college performance to date is a clear indication that he’s not ready for the NBA. They also pointed out that this was OK, as many college prospects take some time to hone their skills.

However, because he’s the son of an NBA all-time great, Bronny James’ production is going to be viewed with a different lens. LeBron James has had different opinions on this notion. The Athletic picked up on LeBron’s social media post from late February, where he wrote, “Can y’all please just let the kid be a kid and enjoy college basketball?”

However, it was LeBron James himself who may have put the spotlight on his son. In October 2023, he reiterated to Sports Illustrated that he would love to play with Bronny in the NBA. This vision seems to be one of the main reasons why LeBron James continues to play in the league, in addition to his continued great play.

Despite Bronny James looking like a shot in the dark NBA prospect, the wheels appear to be in motion for LeBron’s dream to happen. There are a few teams that might take Bronny in the NBA Draft, in hopes that his father would make moves to join him.

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The possibility remains that LeBron James stays right where he is, and the Lakers spend a second round pick on Bronny. CBS Sports believes Los Angeles is open to taking the younger James in hopes of securing the elder James for a longer term contract. It feels like no secret that the Buss family is keen on keeping the star with the team for as long as possible.

It’s also possible that the James’ could head back to Ohio for one last reunion tour. Bronny and LeBron were both born in Ohio, and it would be a special full circle moment for the family if this were to take place. Having LeBron James in place would also help round out a Cleveland team that is guard and center-heavy.

LeBron James won his first championships with the Heat, and might want to indulge in a return to South Beach. He told the NBA’s website about Miami, “Besides San Antonio, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, I think those are the only franchises that you can say have the same stability as the Miami Heat.” Pat Riley’s wisdom could serve as sage advice for young Bronny.

If LeBron James was to leave Los Angeles, it might be for a team that has a legitimate chance to win a title. The Mavericks would seem to be in the conversation with former LeBron teammate Kyrie Irving, and Luke Doncic. LeBron once said to Sports Illustrated that Doncic reminds him of himself. Knowing this, Dallas might spend a second-round pick on Bronny to see if LeBron takes the bait.

There have been rumors that LeBron James might be a Knick as soon as next season, as spurned on by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. New York has re-established themselves as a contender, which might be appealing to LeBron. However, the Knicks front office has done a great job of staying disciplined with their roster construction. It’s possible Leon Rose might make an exception for Bronny, though.

The 76ers had a roller coaster of a first round playoff series, and might look to investigate the possibility of bringing LeBron to the franchise. A proven-winner like LeBron could help Philadelphia get over the hump, and the franchise showed in a previous place and time that they were willing to trust the process.

Let us know if you think any other NBA teams would be interested in pairing Bronny James with LeBron by leaving a comment!

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