The Los Angeles Lakers made history on the second night of the NBA Draft when they selected Bronny James with the No. 55 pick. After playing one season with the USC Trojans, he opted to leave school and play in the NBA. To the surprise of nobody, the Lakers drafted him and that means the 6-2 guard will be able to play with his father, LeBron James.
Both father and son were reported to be quite emotional after the Lakers made the selection. Bronny and his father were at a family dinner in New York when the pick by the Lakers was announced.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka explained that Bronny James had special qualities that will make him a good fit for the Lakers, and he added that the decision clearly pleased LeBron James.
“In the history of the NBA, there's never been a father and a son that have shared an NBA basketball court and that feels like something that could be magical,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said. “We know, and have to respect of course, that LeBron has a decision on his opt-out … but if it worked out that he was on our team next season, NBA history could be made. And NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform.”
Broadcaster Skip Bayless believes the choice was solid for Lakers
While there will undoubtedly be accusations of nepotism and bias that accompany the selection of LeBron James' oldest son, veteran broadcaster Skip Bayless defended the choice and went out of his way to say that the younger James could be a strong asset for the Lakers next year.
“LeBron James has earned the right to make what just happened happen,” Bayless said. “He will play professional basketball with his oldest son, who was born to play with his father. Bronny's game perfectly complements LeBron's. 3 & D. High IQ, low ego. Shares dad's feel for the game. Can't wait.”
Bayless added that he could see LeBron set up his son for open three-point shots and that could be one of the stronger plays for the Lakers next season.
Bronny James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game for the Trojans. He had been sidelined for nearly five months after a cardiac episode that resulted in surgery to repair a congenital defect.
He was later cleared to be drafted by the NBA's team of medical officials.
Elated LeBron James certain to stay with Lakers
While the Lakers have gone out of their way to speak highly of Bronny James' character and ability as key factors in the decision to draft him, the move seems to make it clear that LeBron James will be back with the team next season.
LeBron James has until Saturday to opt into the final year of his Lakers contract that will pay him $51.4 million next season. LeBron has said for years that he has wanted to play with his son, so that would virtually ensure that the father will stay with the team.
That's what the Lakers want, and they are willing to offer him a three-year, maximum deal to stay with the team.
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