Bronny James has decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility and remain in the NBA Draft, according to his agent Rich Paul. Initially, James had kept the option to return to college open when he declared for the draft in April, but reports in May indicated that he planned to stay in the draft. He had until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday to make an official decision. Despite his initial uncertain draft prospects, James’ stock has improved recently, with the NBA’s Fitness to Play panel clearing him medically following a cardiac arrest and surgery, as well as his impressive performance at the combine.
With James now officially staying in the NBA Draft, the focus shifts to where he will be selected. He has workout invitations from 10 teams but plans to only attend workouts with the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. Paul stated that James will not sign a two-way deal and that his draft range is wide, emphasizing the importance of factors such as development, opportunity, and financial commitment in the team’s selection. The Suns are reportedly considering James for the No. 22 overall pick, while the Lakers may also be interested in selecting him to potentially keep his father, LeBron James, with the organization.
The Lakers’ draft situation will be resolved in the upcoming days, with the New Orleans Pelicans having until June 1 to decide whether they want the Lakers’ first-round pick in the 2024 or 2025 NBA Draft. If the Pelicans decline the pick, the Lakers would hold the 17th overall selection. Los Angeles’ only other pick in the draft is the 55th selection. The team is reportedly open to the idea of selecting Bronny James to potentially keep LeBron James with the organization. LeBron James has a player option that could make him a free agent this offseason, adding another layer of intrigue to the Lakers’ draft plans.
Overall, Bronny James’ decision to remain in the NBA Draft signifies his confidence in his abilities and potential as a professional player. His draft stock has improved in recent weeks, following a clear from the NBA’s Fitness to Play panel and an impressive showing at the combine. With interest from multiple teams, including the Suns and Lakers, James has the opportunity to make a significant impact in the NBA as he embarks on his professional basketball career. His father’s status with the Lakers adds an interesting dynamic to the draft process, as the team considers selecting James to potentially keep LeBron James in Los Angeles. The upcoming draft will be a pivotal moment in Bronny James’ journey to the NBA and the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career in professional basketball.
