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Scouts have not been kind to Bronny James in the pre-draft process, and his latest move doesn’t seem to be reversing many stances.
The son of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer declared for next month’s NBA Draft despite averaging less than five points per game in his lone college season at USC (he also entered the transfer portal and could opt out of the draft).
James was a McDonald’s All-American last summer but, a couple months later, he suffered a cardiac arrest during a workout.
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Bronny James shoots a free throw during the 2024 NBA basketball Draft Combine in Chicago, May 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Despite one scout calling him “not an NBA prospect,” and another adding that he’d be surprised if he got drafted at all, Bronny still has some interest – in fact, it’s rather high.
According to The Athletic, “over 10” teams invited Bronny to work out for them ahead of the draft – yet he’s turned down all but two of them.
The two teams he will reportedly work out for are his dad’s Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix is “considering” Bronny with the 22nd pick – the Lakers own the 17th selection.
USC Trojans guard Bronny James during the UCLA Bruins game on Feb. 24, 2024, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. (Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Lakers are reportedly considering taking James in the draft in order to keep his father around – James has a player option in which his deadline is two days after the draft.
James has long spoken of his desire to play with his son, but new reports say his main focus is developing his son, rather than playing with him.
However, his agent, Rich Paul, did say James is a “free agent” late last week – it may have been a Freudian slip, but it was telling.
“We’re gonna evaluate the situation,” he added, “and we’re gonna make the best decision.”
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)
If James opts out (he’s set to earn over $51 million), he could be eligible to sign a three-year, $161.9 million deal with Los Angeles.
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