Lakers Rumors: LeBron James 'Trying to Get' LA to Draft Bronny, Hire JJ Redick as HC

LeBron James is looking to utilize his sizable influence to get the Los Angeles Lakers to execute two notable moves this offseason, according to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

Smith reported on his show that "LeBron James is trying to get the Los Angeles Lakers to draft Bronny James" in the second round. The 20-time All-Star would "also like for JJ Redick to be his next head coach."

James appears to be turning up the heat on the Lakers a bit.

Maybe it was merely a coincidence he showed up for the Cleveland Cavaliers' NBA playoff game with the Boston Celtics on Monday night.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported James and his wife traveled to Northeast Ohio for Mother's Day but added that general managers reached out to him in effect questioning whether there were ulterior motives at play.

Given his longstanding desire to team up with Bronny in the NBA, many have wondered whether LeBron and his son would be a package deal this summer. If you draft Bronny, you basically have the inside track to land his dad in free agency.

Windhorst reported Monday that Rich Paul, who represents both Bronny and LeBron, has in recent months attempted to "part the concept that drafting Bronny James means you're getting LeBron."

That could be read in one of two ways. Maybe LeBron has shoved the idea of playing on the same team as his son to the side altogether. Or perhaps the 39-year-old prefers to make the partnership happen on his terms rather than Bronny winding up with a franchise he has no intention of playing for.

When it comes to the rumors about Redick, it's impossible to divorce his candidacy with the Lakers from the fact he has a podcast with James. The two have a strong rapport and one can't help but ponder whether Redick would be in play were it not for that dynamic.

An organization with ambitions of winning a championship right now typically doesn't target somebody with zero coaching or front-office experience at any level.

The "LeGM" narrative has long followed James and it's one that probably isn't without some merit. A star of his caliber is bound to have some level of input on personnel moves.

This offseason could be a litmus test for how much LeBron, at such a late stage of his playing career, can still call the shots.