Bronny James’ NBA Career Threatened Lakers’ Locker Room “Distractions,” Stephen A. Smith Warns With 2 Teams on Alert

With the first round of the NBA Draft displaying the best incoming talents, day two of the Draft will be as interesting. Bronny James, the most highlighted prospect of this year’s draft is yet to appear on the draft board. The 19-year-old is a projected late second-round pick and all eyes are on the Lakers. The Lakers have their pick locked at 55th, right around Bronny’s projection. While many anticipate James Jr. to become a Laker, Stephen A. Smith has a different outlook on the same.

The Lakers have already introduced a new head coach, JJ Redick who will be structuring the rest of the coaching staff. Now, why is this related to Bronny’s draft? Redick and his staff will be heavily focused on managing the rotations as well as game plans. Bronny’s presence in the locker room will attract the media. “I would tell you Denver and Philadelphia are teams that come to my mind… But him being in that locker room for non-basketball related matters, just being in that locker room with that magnifying glass and attention that’s going to bring, you can’t tell me that wouldn’t be a major distraction.”, said Stephen A.

Not only will he garner massive attention from the media, but this will put quite some expectations on his shoulders. Bronny is still a teen and has a lot of room for improvement. Getting used to the league’s pace may take some time, but James Jr. is a willful learner and can adjust his game accordingly. As for Philly and Denver, out of the two, the Nuggets are the closest at drafting Bronny. Denver’s confirmed second-round pick at 56 is danger close to the Lakers’ position.

The former champs can steal the deal and it would also be a better destination for Bronny. In LA, James Jr. will have a much more diminished role, considering the playing time of the younger players already on the bench. Whereas in Denver, Bronny will get to learn more and execute alongside the three-time MVP. Not only that, but he’ll have Murray as his mentor too. The Sixers can also be a similar team for growth for James Jr. But what would be the most optimal option for Bronny?

What would it mean for the Lakers to draft Bronny?

Well, with Redick on the sidelines, LeBron on the court, and Bronny coming off the bench, this sight will fill the seats of the Crypto arena. This will go on for more than one season if the Lakers offer James an extension. Other than that, Bronny’s growth amid the growing attention of the media will be held in question. So far, the story around Bronny’s draft has been in favor of the Lakers. However, things might take a turn in New York.

It will be interesting to see where Bronny lands by the end of day two. The 2024 NBA Draft did not have much star power apart from the Trojan’s presence. If the Lakers manage to draft him, they’ll also be making history with the father-son duo. What are your thoughts on Bronny’s destination? Do you want to see him in purple and gold? Let us know in the comments.

For more interesting NBA content, make sure to watch our conversation with Leonard Armato, who speaks about the Lakers, Shaq, and more in the video below.