It is no lie that the Lakers seem to be doing everything in their power to land their superstar’s son, Bronny James, in the 2024 Draft’s 2nd round tonight. With LeBron having expressed his wishes to play alongside his son before retiring and his free agency period approaching soon, the JJ Redick-spearheaded side might try to use the 19-year-old as leverage to retain his dad. However, unlike many critics out there, LeBron’s teammate Anthony Davis is not too opposed to the whole father-son on-court union either.

It is no secret that the Lakers’ efforts to secure Bronny James are part of a larger strategy by Rob Pelinka, who faces challenges as the draft unfolds. Also, Anthony Davis spoke about LeBron’s son, expressing his admiration and support for the youngster’s potential addition to the roster. “I wouldn’t be mad at the team if we took him if he was still available at [No.] 55 and see where it goes from there,” he remarked. Having had the opportunity to see him train, especially alongside Bron, AD was “really impressed” by the young player’s defensive and playmaking skills and his ability to “get into the teeth of it.”

Even though AD praised the young player, and seemed to hold him in high regard, his reaction to the possible acquisition sounded neutral. The Lakers landed Dalton Knecht through their #17 pick in the first round and are now left with their #55 pick in the second round. Bronny is projected to land somewhere near #55, but no other possibilities should be ruled out. If another team gets to him before the Lakers get their turn, Rob Pelinka might have to make some unpleasant decisions.

The Celtics and Suns are two sides that have been in talks about keeping an eye out for Bronny. In the event of a successful acquisition, these teams could ever leverage their pull to entice LeBron. At this rate, the stakes keep getting higher for the Lakers. But what does Bronny James want?

Bronny James has only one desire from the NBA draft

According to a recent report by Shams Charania, Rich Paul, both LeBron and Bronny’s agent, will likely make calls to teams, asking them to pass up on Bronny so that he’s still available by the time the Lakers get their turn. But there’s no knowing what’ll happen. ESPN’s final mock draft projected that the Lakers would land him in the 2nd round with their 55th pick. But as we know, the Lakers are not the only team interested in him. James himself has spoken about how he models his game after Celtics players Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. A matchup in this case might be a dream come true for Bronny.

And according to ESPN, Rich Paul just wants what’s best for Bronny. He wants a team that’s the right fit for Bronny, and a team that will offer him a “real deal,” not a two-way one. Paul’s comments, however, completely contradict what reports suggest is the Lakers’ sneaky draft plan for Bronny. Safe to say, the Lakers’ path to Bronny is not one without obstacles. Will the Lakers’ and Rich Paul’s strategy come to fruition or will the LA front office lose their potential roster addition and also risk losing their main man?

Update: Bronny James was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with their 55th pick.

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