While the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be a top suitor for Lebron James’ son Bronny James if he stays in the 2024 NBA Draft, many around the NBA now view an NBA Finals contender from the Eastern Conference as a serious sleeper team to land both this summer.
One of the more interesting storylines in basketball circles recently is on the future of Lebron James’ eldest son Bronny. The USC guard made his college debut this past season but the results were underwhelming. Granted the youngster is not far removed from a serious health scare in 2023, but his run with the Trojans was still seen as a disappointment.
- Lebron James stats (2023-24): 25.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 41% 3PT
That is why he is not only checking out his options in the college transfer portal, but he has also declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and has not signed with an agent to keep open the door for a return to the college in 2024-25. What makes the situation fascinating to most around the league is the fact that his father seems open to the idea of opting out of the final year of his Lakers deal so he can join his son on the team he is drafted by.
With Bronny James expected to be a late first-round pick at best, many expect Los Angeles to invest a second-round selection or trade up into the back end of the opening round to draft the 19-year-old in June. However, a new report suggests a top team from the Eastern Conference could be targeting the young guard in the hopes of luring his father to the team this summer.
Philadelphia 76ers a popular choice to land Bronny James and Lebron James this summer?
On Friday, The Athletic NBA insider Sam Vecenie claimed “Outside of LA, the Philadelphia 76ers are the franchise most often brought up by members of other teams.” The Sixers could use more depth and head coach Nick Nurse has a track record of developing talent into stars — Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby are two examples.
- Bronny James stats (2023-24): 4.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.1 TOPG 27% 3PT
However, what makes them such a strong option to get both is that the organization will reportedly target a star swingman in the offseason and has been linked to a Paul George pursuit. After the Detroit Pistons, Philly will have the second most cap space in the league at $58 million (via Spotrac), which is more than enough to add Lebron James for a title run with his son and Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Essentially it would seem like a perfect scenario for all involved since James can still go for one last championship while also doing it with his son. A dream he has admitted he has before he finished his NBA career.