Sources Say: Lakers Considering Drafting Bronny James to Keep Lebron and Fulfill His Wishes

The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets 108-106 Monday during round one of the NBA playoffs. Jamal Murray once again put a knife in the Lakers’ hearts, hitting a game-winning mid-range jumper to advance to the second round of the Western Conference Finals. LeBron James nearly had a triple-double with 30 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists. 

After the game, during his media availability, LeBron mentioned that he had not put time into his thoughts on his possibility of becoming a free agent and what his plans are for next season.

LeBron James spoke to the media about the loss against the Nuggets and what the future holds following this season. pic.twitter.com/zAD3cuHUpO

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 30, 2024

“Nah I just want to get home to the family honestly,” James told the media after the game. “I start looking at the schedule and obviously I got one of my boys trying to decide if he’s going to enter the draft or going back to school. I got another one playing AAU ball right now and my daughter is playing volleyball. My wife is doing great things in my family right now. And in a few months, I have to go to Vegas for training camp. So I have to rest my body for that.”

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has reported that he believes LeBron will opt out of his contract with the Lakers. The Athletic also reported that Los Angeles is willing to give LeBron a maximum three-year $164 million deal. In addition, a team source told The Athletic that they are not opposed to drafting Bronny in June. 

Bronny James entered the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility in April. James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19 minutes a game, and it would be interesting if another team tried to take him before the Lakers could potentially incentivize the King to come to that perspective team.

One thing we do know: it will be a very interesting summer for the James family.