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Bronny James is saying the right things about the NBA Draft, but questions about LeBron will linger
By Paul Harvey
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Bronny James is aware of the questions and situation surrounding his entry into the 2024 NBA Draft. Such is life for the son of superstar player and future Hall of Famer LeBron James.
In the past, LeBron was vocal about dreaming of a partnership with his son in the NBA. If it happens, that would make LeBron and Bronny the first father-son duo in the league.
To his credit, Bronny is doing his best to say the right thing regarding the draft. Asked about the situation recently, he described the NBA as “serious business” and wanted to be selected only based on the kind of player and person he is as an individual.
“Honestly, I feel like this is a serious business, and I don’t feel like there will be a thought of I’m just drafting this kid because I’m going to get his dad. I don’t think a GM would really allow that,” Bronny said. “I think I’ve put in the work and can get drafted because not only the player but the person I am.”
“only draft me if you think im good enough.. and not because of my dad (LeBron)” pic.twitter.com/uWy8jjK4pe
— Bronny (@BronnyJamesJr) May 15, 2024
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He also claimed it was never his personal dream to play alongside his legendary father. Bronny’s entire focus has simply been to make a name of his own and get into the NBA, regardless of how it happens.
“No, never. My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself, and, of course, get to the NBA, which is everyone’s end goal that’s here,” Bronny described. “I never thought about just playing with my dad, but of course he’s brought it up a couple of times. But yeah, I don’t think about it much.”
I asked Bronny James if it’s his dream to play with his dad, LeBron James. He replied, “No, never. My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself, and get to the NBA, which is everyone’s end goal that’s here. I never thought about just playing with my… pic.twitter.com/jt6yZn0VkX
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 14, 2024
What it means
Bronny’s response is a textbook answer, but he’s 100% spot on with the comments he delivered. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst praised the response during “Get Up,” but he also admitted LeBron absolutely has the power to make things work out a certain way if he desires it.
Brian Windhorst on Bronny James: “His dad could get him drafted. Bottom line, if LeBron took a certain stance, his dad could get him drafted. What Bronny is saying is, ‘I ain’t going that way.'” pic.twitter.com/SaSaU34HZh
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 15, 2024
Windhorst also previously said the James family and their agent, Rich Paul, have been trying to “part the concept” that LeBron and Bronny will come as a package deal for the 2024-25 season. However, LeBron is expected to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, and Windhorst also expects the Lakers to try and draft Bronny though it is not a top priority.
Brian Windhorst on Bronny James being medically cleared for the NBA: “Over the last few months, Rich Paul, who’s the agent for LeBron and Bronny James has made an effort to part the concept that drafting Bronny James means you’re getting LeBron. I do believe LeBron’s going to opt… pic.twitter.com/Dk8PHIfJT4
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 13, 2024
Bronny’s personal comments have not made a major impact on the betting odds for where he will wind up. FanDuel continues to favor the Lakers as Bronny’s likely destination with LA listed at +155 odds to draft him. A group of 5 teams holds the next-best odds at +1400, so the prevailing thought is still that Bronny lines up with the Lakers.
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Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
