Scouts were not very fond of Bronny James prior to the draft, but his recent moves don't seem to change many of their views.
The son of the NBA's all-time leading scorer has declared for next month's NBA draft despite averaging fewer than five points per game in his only collegiate season at USC (he has also entered the transfer portal and could opt out).
James was named a McDonald's All-American last summer but suffered cardiac arrest during a workout a few months later.
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Bronny James shoots a free throw during the 2024 NBA Basketball Draft Combine in Chicago on May 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
While one scout called him “not a NBA prospect” and another added that they would be surprised if he gets drafted, Bronny still has some interest — pretty high interest, in fact.
according to AthleticBefore the draft, “more than 10 teams” extended invitations to Bronny to work out, but he turned them all down except for two.
According to reports, the two teams he will be training with are his father's Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix is ”considering” Bronny with the 22nd pick. The Lakers have the 17th pick.
USC Trojans guard Bronny James during the UCLA Bruins game at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Feb. 24, 2024. (Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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The Lakers are reportedly considering a shot at James in the draft to retain his father, who has a player option that expires two days after the draft.
James has long spoken about his desire to play with his son, but new reports suggest his main focus is on his son's development, not playing with him.
But his agent, Rich Paul, said last weekend that James is a “free agent,” a Freudian slip of the tongue perhaps, but one that rings true.
“We will assess the situation and make the best decision,” he added.
Bronny James talks with his father, LeBron James, after the 2023 McDonald's High School All-American Boys Game at Toyota Center. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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If James opts out of his contract (he's due to make more than $51 million), he could be eligible to sign a three-year, $161.9 million deal with Los Angeles.
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