Lakers pass on Bronny James in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft amid LeBron’s player option
The Los Angeles Lakers opted not to use their 2024 first-round pick to draft Bronny James, as LeBron’s eldest son was completely rejected on Wednesday night.
Bronny, 19, and his entourage, who was expected to be among the first 30 picks amid his superstar father’s player selection this season, were nowhere to be seen at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on the first night of the draft.
Instead, on Wednesday, LeBron posted footage of himself with Bronny and his youngest son Bryce, 17, shooting hoops in Manhattan on Instagram, captioning his post: “No feeling in the fkn world better than being around my boys to educate to become MEN!
“Just stopping by here and getting emotional as hell thinking about your journey so far! Thank you both for letting me be your FATHER and part of your compass through life’s trials and tribulations!’
Instead of drafting Bronny with the 17th overall pick on Wednesday, the Lakers selected shooting guard/small forward Dalton Knecht, out of Tennessee.
Bronny James did not receive a call from NBA coaches or general managers on Wednesday
LA’s move in the draft will certainly be interesting to analyze in the coming days, as 39-year-old LeBron has a $51.4 million play option on his contract that will be decided on Saturday.
According to ESPN, the Lakers are “committed to re-signing James” and are prepared to offer him the full three-year max contract ($162 million) he is eligible for this summer.
James, who is expected to opt out of his current contract, will play in the NBA until he is 42 if he extends his stay in LA.
The four-time NBA champion has spoken publicly about his retirement over the past 12 months, without providing any specifics on when that might be.
More to follow…