NBA Draft Insider: Bronny James Expectations 'Pretty Realistic' amid Lakers Rumors

The expectations for Bronny James' NBA career "seem to be pretty realistic all around," per ESPN's Jeremy Woo on Thursday.

"There was an opportunity to better showcase himself by going back to college, but I also think there's impetus to turn pro now, since James has been medically cleared from a health standpoint. Expectations for his pro career seem to be pretty realistic all around, and I thought Bronny did enough at the combine to at least enhance his case."

That news comes after James' agent, Rich Paul, revealed that his client will be staying in the NBA draft as opposed to returning to college. James played one year at USC and simultaneously entered his name for consideration in the NBA draft and placed himself in the NCAA transfer portal.

James is going pro, though, and he's reportedly being selective with his workout invites. Unsurprisingly, one of them appears to be the Los Angeles Lakers, led by his father and four-time NBA MVP LeBron James. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium that Tuesday on FanDuel TV's Run It Back:

The Athletic also reported on April 30 that the Lakers were "open to the prospect" of selecting James, who is widely considered a second-round prospect at the moment. Jonathan Wasserman notably placed James at No. 55 overall to L.A. in his latest Bleacher Report mock draft. HoopsHype's Michael A. Scotto has him at No. 55 to the Lakers as well, while ESPN placed him 54th to the Boston Celtics.

We'll soon find out where James ends up with the draft going down on June 25 and 26.