The 2023 NBA Draft has one of the biggest storylines in recent memory, with Victor Wembanyama entering the league. Yet somehow, the 2024 NBA Draft could overcome the Wimby craze, and it won’t even involve the No. 1 pick; it will involve Bronny James and whether he joins the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James isn’t shy about sharing his desire to play in the NBA with Bronny. LeBron smartly created a player option for the 2024-25 season, giving him the flexibility to opt out and sign with whichever team drafts Bronny.
It looks like the Lakers will do whatever it takes to make that happen, with Bronny projected to be a late first-round pick. Joe Walden of The Athletic wrote that “observers believe the Lakers will find a way” to ensure Bronny plays with his father with the Lakers rather than with another team.
But ultimately when it comes down to it, the Lakers won’t be able to control when or how Bronny enters the league. Frankly, it might not be all about Browne’s decision. Instead, that may be decided by the New Orleans Pelicans.
Pelicans may control when Bronny James joins Lakers
The Pelicans have an interesting draft situation due to the Anthony Davis trade.new orleans has anyone The Lakers’ 2024 first-round pick or 2025 first-round pick. The Pelicans have to decide this year whether to take the Lakers’ pick now or roll the dice on the 2025 pick, no matter the outcome.
This decision could determine when Bronny enters the league. It wouldn’t be surprising if LeBron tried to steer him to the Lakers, not just to play with him, but to give him a chance to stay in Los Angeles and work with the best organization in the league with the most resources . sports.
If the Pelicans decide to select the Lakers’ 2024 first-round pick, Bronny could decide to play another year at USC. That would allow LeBron to opt in to his player option and rework his contract next season to either stay in Los Angeles and play for Bronny or leave.
With LeBron also considering playing with Bryce James, this could be a great fit for the James family. Plus, another year of college ball won’t hurt Bronny and may actually help his long-term development as a pro.
Therefore, if Bronny decides to join the Lakers, he will have to pay close attention to what the Pelicans will do. Luckily, he didn’t announce until 60 days before the draft, and by then, he’d know if the Lakers would go No. 1.