When March Madness gets underway, in addition to competing for an NCAA championship, many players will use the opportunity to showcase their skills to NBA scouts and other league decision-makers. While several outstanding players will be “dancing,” there’s one notable name who probably won’t be there: Bronny James.
The oldest son of megastar LeBron James, Bronny James is having a less-than-great season for USC, and the Trojans are in the midst of one of their worst years in recent memory. This may not matter at all, however, when it comes to Bronny’s NBA prospects. Because his dad has made it clear that he wants to play with his son (or at least against him), chances are very good that Bronny will get picked if he chooses to enter the draft.
Why Would a Team Draft Bronny James?
Rarely does a guard averaging less than five points and three assists per game garner as much discussion as Bronny James. The truth is that if it weren’t for his famous pedigree, very few people outside of Southern California would even know who he is.
While some think he could have a solid career, almost certainly a team wouldn’t draft the son. That is unless they knew they’d be getting the father. So, which squad does Junior make the most sense for?
1. Los Angeles Lakers
If the Lakers want to keep LeBron – and keep him happy – drafting his son is a no-brainer. And if Bronny James is a second-round pick, taking a flyer on him may be worth it. However, what if dear old dad insists that his son is a first-round pick? Should the Lakers – in need of good, young talent – overreach to keep the King on his throne?
2. Miami Heat
LeBron James has a storied career, and perhaps no place has been better to him than Miami. After all, this is where he won two of his four championships. Recently there has been a lot of speculation that the Heat may seriously be considering Bronny James. The team has sent people out to USC to watch him play. Of course, Miami already has its own star forward – Jimmy Butler – and he may need to sign off on the deal.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Imagine the fanfare if LeBron returned where it all began and got to play with his son. It’s not far from where he grew up. It would also perhaps be a passing of the torch. While LeBron doesn’t plan on retiring soon, few professional athletes could ask for a better way to finish a remarkable career. The biggest caveat? Cleveland may not want either James. The Cavs could be on the cusp of becoming an elite Eastern Conference team. They might see a major change to their roster putting that in jeopardy.
So, Where Does Bronny James Go?
Despite LeBron believing that Bronny could help the Lakers right now, the younger James’ best bet may be to not have anything to do with the NBA for a while. It’s clear that he could use at least another year in college. Additinoally, a better season would only raise his draft stock. Plus, with LeBron potentially being a free agent ahead of the 2025-2026 season, he could feasibly go wherever Bronny James does.
About the Author
Tim Josephs grew up in New Jersey with sports-crazed parents, so naturally he became a somewhat unhinged fan himself, especially where the Knicks and Mets are concerned. He now lives in Greensboro, NC, with his wife and twin boys who can look forward to also becoming sports-mad.