Bronny James Tracker: Updates on Latest Rumors and News After 2024 NBA Draft
All eyes were on Bronny James going into the second round of the 2024 NBA draft as he attempted to make history and join his father, LeBron, in the NBA.
The Los Angeles Lakers took James with the No. 55 pick, marking the first time in NBA history that a son would be drafted with his father still active in the league.
While he was more of a secondary contributor during his one season at USC, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected the younger James as a second-round pick of the Los Angeles Lakers in his final mock draft. If LeBron James returns to the Purple and Gold in 2024-25, that would mean pairing father and son together at the sport's highest level.
James measured at 6'1.5" and 210.4 pounds with a 6'7.25" wingspan during the NBA Scouting Combine in May after averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks while shooting 36.6 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from deep at USC. Wasserman's full scouting report can be found here.
Keep it locked right here for all the latest updates and rumors.
Lakers Draft Bronny James at No. 55 in Historic Moment for NBA
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Bronny James is a Los Angeles Laker.
The Lakers used the No. 55 pick to select the former USC player with just three picks remaining in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Lakers leadership including newly-hired head coach JJ Redick appeared happy with the pick:
The Lakers' choice comes after ESPN's Bob Myers reported that James' agent Rich Paul was calling other teams and warning them not to draft the 19-year-old, apparently with the goal of getting him to fall to a particular franchise.
It seems likely Paul achieved his goal, as Bronny could now potentially become the first player to join his father in the NBA.
James has not yet made a decision on his $51.4 million player option for next season, but ESPN's Dave McMenamin has reported that the Lakers are willing to offer a three-year max extension for him to stay with the team.
With his son heading to Los Angeles, it seems likely James will return to the Lakers, one way or another.
Teams Told to Pass on Bronny amid Lakers Rumors; LeBron's Son Could Play in Australia
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Agent Rich Paul has told certain teams not to draft Bronny James, warning them that he could play in Australia if he is picked somewhere he doesn't want to play.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium previously said on the Pat McAfee Show that it "wouldn't surprise" him if Rich Paul told teams during the second round of the NBA draft to pass on Bronny James.
"It would not surprise me if at any point in the second round there's gonna be calls made to be like: 'Listen, don't draft him, he's got his spot already, let him continue to pass you by,'" Charania said. "Because I think the way they've handled this process from the beginning, it's not going to be just a two-way contract or a question of where he's gonna end up, in the G League or whatever, it's being on the roster and being on a multi-year contract and I expect that to be the case for Bronny James, it's just a question of where."
Bronny Still on the Board for Round 2
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Bronny James is still available to be drafted on Thursday after every team picking in the first round, including the Los Angeles Lakers, passed on James.
The Athletic's Sam Vecenie reported that "it's seen as likely by sources who represent opposing teams across the league that the Lakers will select Bronny James in the second round."
For full results and the updated B/R big board, click here. For full grades from Wednesday's first round, click here.
Suns Continue to Be Linked to Bronny Ahead of 2024 NBA Draft
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NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Phoenix Suns "continue to be mentioned" as a team interested in drafting Bronny James.
James had a pre-draft workout with Phoenix according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic, who said the prospect had a "strong" performance.
Bronny 'in the Mix' for Raptors Ahead of NBA Draft
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Toronto Raptors assistant GM Dan Tolzman told reporters that Bronny James is "in the mix" for the team ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft.
"Every player on the board we're looking long and hard at and I wouldn't say we've ruled anybody out," Tolzman said.
Previously, James' agent Rich Paul had linked the Raptors to his client in an interview with ESPN's Jonathan Givony.
76ers Still Eye Bronny for a Chance at LeBron
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NBC Sports' Kurt Helin (h/t Randi Richardson of Today.com) reported the Philadelphia 76ers are still interested in drafting Bronny James because they feel there's still a possibility of landing LeBron James in free agency this summer.
LeBron James Won't Sign with Suns for Minimum If They Draft Bronny
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LeBron James isn't taking a $50 million pay cut to play with his son.
Agent Rich Paul told ESPN's Jonathan Givony that his client won't take a pay cut if the Phoenix Suns draft Bronny James:
Teams Struggling to Schedule Workouts with Bronny James
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While he already worked out with the Phoenix Suns and has consistently been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, other teams are reportedly not having much luck when it comes to scheduling workouts with Bronny James.
ESPN's Jonathan Givony reported as much during a July 18 appearance on NBA Today:
"NBA teams that I talk to say they cannot get Bronny James into their building. Teams that are drafting in the late 20s and 30s. The Phoenix Suns have a second workout scheduled with Bronny later this week, but other than that, we have not seen any NBA team be able to work him out. The sense among teams is that his agent, Rich Paul, does not want him on a two-way contract, and the range he's going to be picked—the 40-58 range—that's where two-way contracts are handed out. So it's looking right now like Bronny is going to slide to No. 55 [to the Lakers]."
Bronny James Unlikely to Hold More Pre-Draft Workouts After Lakers, Suns
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Bronny James won't be particularly active on the pre-draft workout circuit.
James' agent, Rich Paul, told NBA insider Marc Stein that Bronny is "unlikely" to hold more pre-draft workouts after visits to the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns.
Mavs Interested in Bronny James at No. 58
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The Dallas Mavericks could reportedly be a suitor for Bronny James in the second round of the NBA Draft.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks "would have interest in selecting Bronny James with the 58th overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft," though he cautioned Dallas realizes "it's extremely unlikely that James will still be available for selection."
NBA Scout Compares Bronny James to Austin Rivers
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Speaking to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, an NBA scout compared Bronny James to longtime guard Austin Rivers.
"I think Bronny will go in the draft because of who he is, and some team will really think LeBron will come if they draft him," the scout told Scotto. "If the Lakers keep their pick, they won't pass on him. He's a decent player. He's better than some guys who may get picked ahead of him. He's solid, not spectacular. He knows how to play. He can handle the ball well enough. If you leave him alone, he'll drill a three. He reminds me of Austin Rivers as a player, and he's stayed in the league for over a decade."
Rivers, currently a free agent, owns career averages of 8.5 points, 2.1 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game.
Bronny James Reportedly Works Out for Lakers
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Bronny James worked out for the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, according to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times.
"James' athleticism, defensive potential and shooting at the Chicago draft combine have certainly interested the Lakers, who could help make history by pairing him with his father, LeBron James, should he return to the team in free agency this summer (if he opts out, as expected)," Woike added.
Pacers' Rick Carlisle Predicts Bronny James Will Go 'Quite a Bit Higher' Than No. 50
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Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast that Bronny James will go "quite a bit higher" than the 50th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft.
The Pacers currently own the 49th and 50th picks.
Bronny James Considering More Workouts Beyond Lakers, Suns
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NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Lakers and Suns are the only two teams currently scheduled to host James for workouts before the draft.
Agent Rich Paul said there are "a few more" teams still under consideration that could host James at later dates.
Lakers Reportedly 'Not Considering' Bronny James with No. 17 Pick
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The Los Angeles Lakers are not considering taking Bronny James with the No. 17 overall choice in the NBA draft.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the latest on his podcast (39:20 mark): "The Lakers, to my understanding, they're not considering Bronny James at No. 17."
L.A. holds the No. 17 and No. 55 draft picks this season.
Bronny James Impresses at Workout with Suns
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James participated in a workout with the Phoenix Suns on June 5, per Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic.
According to Rankin, the draft prospect "had a strong workout for the Suns, who put the players through a variety of drills with a focus on shooting."
Bronny Impacted by Dan Hurley, Lakers HC Rumors
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ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Los Angeles Lakers are targeting UConn's Dan Hurley to be the next head coach and that Bronny James' future is being considered with the potential hire:
"LeBron James has been impressed with Hurley's sophisticated offensive actions, and assuming he returns to L.A. in free agency, the possibility of using the 55th overall pick in this month's NBA draft on USC freshman guard Bronny James makes Hurley an even more intriguing candidate. If that happens, James gets a chance to play with his son and the benefit of Hurley and his staff becoming responsible for Bronny's pro development."
Bronny James Seen 'as a Legit NBA Prospect' Following Combine
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James made such an impression at the NBA Scouting Combine that executives around the league started to see him "as a legit NBA prospect over the past few weeks."
ESPN's Jonathan Givony reported as much on May 29 and highlighted James' "explosive dunks" and "barrage of 3-pointers" during the workouts in Chicago.
He finished in second during a three-point shooting drill at 19-of-25 and fourth among participants with a 40.5-inch vertical leap.
"James went on to participate in scrimmages the next two days, and scouts who spoke to ESPN this week applauded James for his performance and the way he filled a role to help his team win, hit open shots and played defense with enthusiasm," ESPN's Jamal Collier reported.
Bronny James Plans Workouts with Lakers and Suns
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After impressing at the NBA Scouting Combine, James planned private workouts with the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns.
The Lakers connection is obvious, as LeBron James has played for Los Angeles the past six seasons and has a player option for the 2024-25 campaign. Drafting his son could be another recruiting tool for the team as it attempts to convince the King to return.
As for the Suns, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium—who also reported on May 28 that more than 10 teams invited James to work out ahead of the draft—noted they were considering the USC product with the No. 22 overall pick.
Bronny James Staying in NBA Draft
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James first announced he was entering the NBA draft but keeping his options open through the NCAA transfer portal on April 5, but agent Rich Paul revealed ahead of the May 29 deadline that the prospect would continue pursuing his NBA career.
May 29 at 11:59 p.m. ET was the deadline for prospects to withdraw their names from the draft, and James' decision came after he participated in the NBA Scouting Combine in Chicago.
Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report for Bronny James
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Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman provided a scouting report for James in March and listed Quentin Grimes and De'Anthony Melton as player comparisons for the incoming rookie.
"The most likely offensive role for James is playing secondary ball-handler and spot-up shooter," Wasserman wrote. "He doesn't generate enough rim pressure or creativity for teams to use him as a primary initiator. Instead, he'll play alongside a point guard, space the floor and occasionally command ball screens, something he's comfortable passing and setting up teammates out of."
Wasserman highlighed James' shotmaking potential, passing IQ and defense as "signature strengths" but also pointed to creating high-percentage looks, finishing at the rim and shotmaking consistency as potential weaknesses.
"Defense is where he can separate himself from other guards on the roster," Wasserman continued. "And assuming he continues to be effective sliding his feet, fighting through screens and making plays in passing lanes, James' most likely path to a rotation is as a three-and-D combo."
Mavs, Timberwolves, Raptors Could Draft Bronny If Lakers, Suns Don't
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Agent Rich Paul told ESPN's Jonathan Givony that Bronny James has only worked out for the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, but three more teams have expressed interest:
Paul told Givony his goal with limiting Bronny's workouts has been to focus on teams that are serious about drafting him.
Rich Paul Reacts to Discourse Around Bronny
23 of 24Rich Paul, who represents Bronny and LeBron James, said during an appearance on Gil's Arena that he wants the 19-year-old to be ready for the attention he will receive in the NBA:
"Bronny can't be above the criticism and the opinions of others because this is the world that he's in, so he shouldn't get any preferential treatment," Paul said at the 7:25 mark. "He gotta go through the journey, he gotta go through the barbershop talk, because this is the life he chose. He chose to aspire to be a professional athlete. So that smoke, you have to embrace that, it's just part of it. And I don't want anything different from that perspective."
Bronny's Agent Rich Paul Reacts to Discourse
24 of 24Rich Paul, who represents Bronny and LeBron James, said during an appearance on Gil's Arena that he wants the 19-year-old to be ready for the attention he will receive in the NBA:
"Bronny can't be above the criticism and the opinions of others because this is the world that he's in, so he shouldn't get any preferential treatment," Paul said at the 7:25 mark. "He gotta go through the journey, he gotta go through the barbershop talk, because this is the life he chose. He chose to aspire to be a professional athlete. So that smoke, you have to embrace that, it's just part of it. And I don't want anything different from that perspective."
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