Lakers Rumors: Examining Importance of LA Drafting Bronny James Amid Rivals' Interest

Even before he announced his eligibility for the NBA Draft, Bronny James had been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers.

That is what happens when his father, LeBron James, is the league's biggest star and the face of the Lakers organization.

LeBron previously made it abundantly clear that playing on the same team as his son is ideal, but also recognized that they may, instead, cross paths as opponents and that would be fine by him.

A recent report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski suggests that playing with his son is no longer a "priority" for the league's biggest star.

If that report does not change the conversation entirely, the latest from The Athletic's Shams Charania does.

The NBA insider told The Pat McAfee Show that there are other potential suitors for Bronny in the upcoming draft.

The revelation that LeBron no longer sees it as an absolute must that his son is drafted to Los Angeles so that he can play with him, coupled with the report that there are other teams interested in acquiring and developing the second-generation player, means the Lakers are essentially off the hook.

The team can use its second-round pick (No. 55 overall) as trade bait. It can look to deal the pick and acquire future assets, which it could very much use. The Lakers have spent so many picks on trading for talent in pursuit of a championship in recent years that it lacks the means to acquire talented young stars to form the future foundation of the team.

Bronny participated in the NBA Combine Monday after being cleared to do so, easing the minds of teams who feared that his health would be a significant factor.

He proceeded to record a 40.5 inch vertical jump. He came in at six-foot-one-inch (without shoes), 210.4 pounds, with a wingspan of six-foot-seven-inches.

He put an exclamation point on his day by knocking down 12 three-pointers in a row.

The 19-year-old's performance at the Combine may motivate the Lakers to take the flier on him anyway, but the fact that they no longer have to feel compelled to do so in order to appease LeBron and ensure he re-signs with the organization has to be a relief for the front office.

A front office that will have its hands full potentially pursuing a third star, hiring a head coach, and compiling a team that can make the most of a championship window that is rapidly closing.