Lakers’ Draft Target Bronny James Makes Power Play

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to get Bronny James in the NBA Draft. LeBron James’ oldest son seems to be doing his best to make this happen.

“NBA teams that I talk to say they cannot get Bronny James into their building,” Givony said on “NBA Today” on June 18. ”

ESPN’s Jonathan Givony believes that Bronny’s camp is making a power play to secure his future with the Lakers. Talented Bronny seems to be dodging other teams in favor of this plan. It’s interesting to note that Bronny has worked out for only two NBA teams so far. He visited the Phoenix Suns and his father’s team. Bronny will have two workouts with the Suns and it ends here

“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,” Givony said. “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].”

NBA teams have been struggling to get Bronny James into their buildings, per @DraftExpress

(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )

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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 18, 2024

Analysts from Bleacher Report claim that Bronny will be selected in the second round of the draft. He did a good job at the NBA Draft Combine.

Bronny uses “ancient” tactic to join the Lakers

Bronny learns from the best and his camp is definitely following an old tactic. Many players used to manipulate their draft positioning. Late Lakers icon Kobe Bryant did this to cement his spot in LA. The Lakers selected him as the No.13 overall pick. Kobe’s camp warned the rest of the NBA that the Black Mamba would go to Italy if he doesn’t end up playing with the Lakers. Is Bronny doing the same?

This tactic may have worked for Kobe, but Stephen Curry couldn’t launch himself to New York. Dell Curry wanted him to play in New York, but the Golden State Warriors ended up getting him.

“So draft day, we’re in New York, I get a call from [ex-Warriors coach] Don Nelson,” Dell said. “He says, ‘Dell, you got a problem if we select Steph at No. 7? I said, ‘Yes, I do.’ He’s like, ‘What?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, we want him in New York.’ We talk for five or 10 minutes. He’s like, ‘Well if he’s there, we’re going to take him anyway.’ I’m like,’ It’s your choice. You asked me for my opinion, I gave it to you.’”