LeBron James was spotted in the NBA draft, sparking rumors about Bronny James joining the Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and general manager Rob Pelinka were spotted appearing in the NBA draft last Wednesday local time, further sparking rumors that the Lakers may choose Bronny James in the draft.
This is really good news for the Lakers, after all, the Lakers are likely to pick Bronny.
The Lakers have the 17th pick in next month's NBA Draft, and they also have the 55th pick in the second round.
James could opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer, adding to speculation that the Lakers could opt for his son, Bronny James, as a way to attract the possibility of LeBron signing with Los Angeles again.
Is Bronny James worth a draft from a combat standpoint?
Probably not worth it, in one season at USC, Bronny James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 19.3 minutes per game while shooting 36.6 percent from the field, 26.7 percent from three-point range and 67.6 percent from the free throw line.
Any team that picks Bronny James is likely to do so to try and convince LeBron to join them, especially if the team drafts Bronny James in the first round.
While he's the son of one of the greatest professional athletes of all time, it's clear that he's not a draft-caliber player. At least not for now.
However, the Lakers (or other clubs) may eventually opt to sign him in order to add to LeBron's appeal.
Is LeBron James really leaving the Lakers?
At this point, regardless of the decision made by the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Draft this June, it seems difficult for LeBron to leave the Lakers.
James is 39 years old and will turn 40 next season. Although he is still able to play at an elite level, he has few years left in his career.
He's already openly discussed retirement, and with LeBron already boasting four championships, No. 1 on the NBA's all-time scoring list, and countless other accolades, he doesn't have much to prove anymore.
Of course, James can chase the championship. He could join a squad that is already fully equipped and try to be the final piece of the puzzle that will take the team to the top.
But at this stage, will LeBron do it?
He seemed to feel very comfortable in Los Angeles, and when he signed with the Lakers in 2018, it wasn't just a basketball decision, it was a business and lifestyle decision.
Maybe James wants to fight for the championship again somewhere else, or, maybe he stays in Hollywood and fights for the championship again there.
The Lakers are almost certain to seek a star player in a trade this season (Trae Young is considered a prime candidate), so management may be able to find another big name in addition to James and Anthony Davis.
In any case, Los Angeles may choose to sign Bronny James to keep LeBron. It would also be a recognition of James to play with his son. But even if the Lakers choose to go the other way, that probably won't get LeBron out of Hollywood.
One thing to say, James is very powerful, I can't have persuaded the Lakers to use the draft pick to get Bronny, not even the No. 55 pick, but a higher pick, after all, the Lakers can pay for an upward trade and lock Bronny as soon as possible, so as not to be snatched away by other teams, resulting in passivity.