Wherever Bronny gets drafted, LeBron will follow, so let’s look at some realistic landing spots for the pair.
LeBron is reportedly willing to make some big sacrifices to play with his eldest son, including taking a paycut, NBA insider Marc Stein reports.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
In a big development, the Lakers are reportedly open to the idea of adding Bronny to their roster in order to keep LeBron in purple and gold.
“The Lakers, per the high-ranking team source, are also willing to explore the notion of adding Bronny James next season,” The Athletic reports. “This stance, the source said, is rooted in the reality that James’ happiness truly matters to the organization. They will potentially have their 2024 first-round pick (depending on if the New Orleans Pelicans, as part of the blockbuster [Anthony] Davis trade, choose to receive that pick or defer to 2025) and have two second-round picks that could help to that end (the Clippers’ and the less favorable of the Grizzlies’ and Wizards’ selections).”
LA drafting Bronny seems like a no-brainer. No doubt GM Rob Pelinka would like to see James finish his career at the Lakers with his eldest son by his side.
It doesn’t get much more picture perfect than that.
But the Lakers will be battling with just about every other team in the league to draft Bronny.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Wouldn’t it be the perfect fairytale ending for LeBron to finish his career with Bronny at the Cavs?
This time in Cleveland would be different. LeBron wouldn’t need to be savior since the Cavs are already killing it.
Having a veteran presence like James in and up-and-coming team like Cavs would be incredible.
Jagging James and James Jnr would come at a cost to the Cavs’ young core, so they would have to think long and hard about the pros and cons.
However, if Bronny end ups staying at USC for one more year, the Cavs may have more cap space to land LeBron and draft Bronny.
An Eastern Conference exec told The Ringer’s Howard Beck that Donovan Mitchell will certainly be dipping once he becomes a free agent in 2025.
“There’s no doubt he’s leaving once his contract ends,” the exec told Beck.
NEW YORK KNICKS
Starting Bronny’s career off in New York would be pretty cool.
The Knicks have been a strong team this season with a 33-22 record on the season, and adding LeBron to the mix would spell instant championship contenders.
Having a running mate like James for Jalen Brunson would be a sight to see.
Brunson’s supporting cast have stepped up this season, but it’s hard to know if they have the pieces to go all the way.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
OKC have a treasure trove of upcoming NBA Draft picks until 2030, so are primed to get first dibs on Bronny.
The Thunder have four-first round picks in the 2024 Draft, so could easily draft the USC freshman with the sweetener of landing King James.
Having a skilled veteran like LeBron alongside Shai-Gilgeous Alexander would be scary.
Beyond the basketball court, it would also be a massive opportunity for OKC to elevate their culture and ticket sales.
Because having LeBron on your team means guaranteed bums in seats.
MIAMI HEAT
Another one of LeBron’s former teams could be the last he plays for in the league if Bronny gets drafted there.
Miami have a genuine interest in Bronny and have even sent scouts to his USC games, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed last month.
The Heat have a first-round pick in next year’s draft and they are long overdue to make a big move.
Imagine the scenes if LeBron wins a third championship with Miami. Epic.