Today, Beijing time, Jonathan Wasserman, a draft expert from the famous sports media Bleacher Report, released a new version of the 2024 mock draft list. More attention is paid to the draft prospects of LeBron James' son Bronny than the candidates for the top pick, the top spot and the prospect of the flowers. And according to the simulation, Bronny will be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 51st pick......
As he grows older, the 39-year-old James has more expectations for the future, and in addition to continuing to chase championships, looking forward to competing with his son to complete the "achievement" that no one in the NBA can achieve has become a well-known dream. However, at the end of July this year, Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest in training, which not only shocked Lao Zhan into a cold sweat, but also dealt another blow to his already low draft prospects.
In addition to being 6'4" (1.93m) not outstanding, Bronny's self-revealed meniscus tear injury during his personal social media live broadcast made the outside world question whether he can further improve his athleticism. However, because he is James's son, his future may also affect James's choice, so in the 24th simulation list announced in early July this year, Bronny's pick is still not low, and he is expected to be selected by the Miami Heat at the end of the first round with the 23rd pick.
But with Bronny in the immediate aftermath of cardiac arrest, his draft prospects began to become unpredictable. The outside world can't help but start discussing whether this will determine Bronny's career and James's decision. But after a six-month hiatus, Bronny made his NCAA debut on December 11 and made his NCAA debut for USC, while his father, James, was there to witness his son's career milestones.
In that game, USC led Long Beach State by one point at 73-72 in the decisive moment, and with 26 seconds left in the game, Bronny made a key steal and was forced to foul him. Although Bronny made 1 of 2 free throws and was dragged into overtime to lose 79-84, the steal and a block similar to James' in G7 of the 2016 Finals still ignited the enthusiasm of the fans.
Regarding his son's return, James posted an encouragement post as soon as possible after the game, and said that his son is already a "champion of life", "I can't describe how excited I am! Even if I'm exhausted, I still want to say Bronny, you're really amazing! No matter what he wins or loses, there will always come a day, you have won the ultimate championship, that is life! Child, I am proud of you, it is you who have given me more life! Thank you, I love you!"
James' remarks may also be comforting, after all, based on Bronny's three-game stats from his debut to now, it may be difficult to become a qualified player in the NCAA. So far in three games, Bronny has averaged 5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1 assist in 16 minutes per game, and with the impact of previous cardiac arrest injuries, this statistic is difficult not to be underestimated in the NBA draft.
Considering that LeBron James' contract with the Lakers will expire in 2025, and the 2024-25 season will be James' player option, so if the Lakers really use the 51st pick to pick Bronny and complete James's wish of "father and son on the same stage", then the 40-year-old James may give up the idea of considering retirement, and it is very likely that he will renew his contract or exercise the player option to continue to stay in Los Angeles.
Not long ago, the second season of the American drama "Winning Time" (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) has been officially released, which tells the story of how Jerry Buss, the former owner of the Lakers, clinged to the "Magic" Johnson to build the team and achieve "fame and fortune" in terms of income and team records, and as his daughter and current owner, Jenny Buss can be said to have heard of it. As the most valuable "wealth" of the Lakers today, how to deal with the relationship between the team and James may also have to think carefully about the issue of Bronny James......