Bronny James’ imminent debut and jersey number are revealed by Lakers after LeBron’s son was taken in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft

Bronny James has yet to sign his first NBA contract, but the date of his upcoming debut and his jersey number for the Los Angeles Lakers are already being revealed.

After being taken with the 55th pick of the NBA Draft on Thursday, LeBron’s eldest son will make his Summer League debut on July 6 at 4:30 p.m. EST when first-round pick Dalton Knecht and a group of Laker hopefuls take on the Sacramento Kings in Las Vegas.

LeBron is known to train in Las Vegas during the offseason, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if we see him at the 17,600-seat Golden 1 Center.

As for Bronny’s jersey, the local product will wear No. 9 for LA in 2024-25, the team has revealed.

Other notable Lakers to wear this jersey include Nick Van Exel, Chucky Atkins, Chris Kaman, Matt Barnes, Luol Deng, Rajon Rondo and, most recently, Sterling Brown.

LeBron James will get a chance to play with his son in 2024-25 if he stays with the Lakers

Bronny’s arrival in the NBA after one mediocre season at USC sparked a debate about nepotism in the league, but at least one of the aforementioned players doesn’t seem to mind.

‘Let’s goooooo!!!!!!!’ wrote Van Exel on X.

The former All-Star and second-round draft pick defended Bronny against accusations of nepotism on social media.

“People who act like this don’t happen every day in this world,” wrote Van Exel, now in his 50s and most recently working as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks. “Lmao. Congrats. I can name PLENTYYYYYY!!!! In a bunch of different professions.”

The pick comes after weeks of speculation about where Bronny would be selected in the NBA Draft. Some saw him as a potential first-round pick, while others thought he should go undrafted.

Another second-round pick, former All-Star Nick Van Exel was happy to see Bronny get his old jersey

Bronny’s lone season in college basketball turned out to be a major disappointment after the McDonald’s All-American suffered cardiac arrest during a practice in July 2023. He was allowed to return to the field, but averaged just 19.4 minutes in 25 games for the Trojans and scored just 4.8 points per game.

But the LA Lakers decided they had enough and selected the 19-year-old anyway, despite his limited experience and stats from college.

Interestingly enough, LeBron’s future with the Lakers is somewhat clouded, as he can opt out of the final year and $51 million of his deal this week to become a free agent.

However, the Lakers can offer the four-time MVP a three-year contract worth up to $161 million, and with his son on board, that may be too much for LeBron to turn down.

“We know, and must of course respect, that LeBron has a decision regarding his opt-out,” general manager Rob Pelinka said. “But if he were to be on our team next season, NBA history could be made. And NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform.”