NBA Draft: Bronny James Not the Only Weapon for Mat Ishbia to Hurt Rob Pelinka’s Lakers Rebuild

Less than two weeks from now, the basketball world will be playing host to the 78 edition of the NBA’s annual Draft. With lead scorer, LeBron James set to enter free agency and the fact that the player will be turning 40 by the end of this year, the draft provides a perfect opportunity for the Los Angeles Lakers, allowing them to opt for a rebuild. One player who is set to play a crucial role in the same is draft prospect Bronny James, the eldest son of LeBron. However, the Phoenix Suns have also had their eye on the 19-year-old for quite some time now. And as it turns out, Bronny isn’t the only one who the Suns can stop from joining forces with general manager Rob Pelinka and the rest of the Lakers.

A few hours ago, Phoenix Sports reporter Gerald Bourguet shared details from his theory on who could be the top five prospects for the Suns going into the NBA draft. The #1 name on that list is that of Brazilian-German player Tristan Da Silva. Having devoted over four years to the Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team, the 23-year-old is set to be one of the older yet experienced and valued picks going into the selection process. Many of the mock drafts have listed the player to be chosen between the 16 and the 20 overall pick, the Phoenix Suns, who will select the 22 overall pick. So, they have a good chance of swooping in and welcoming the player into their fold.

The Phoenix Suns’ interest in Tristan Da Silva is a major obstacle to the Los Angeles Lakers, who are also reportedly looking to include the player in their star lineup. Described as a ‘plug-and-play option’, Da Silva possesses the advantage of being someone whose past experience makes him capable enough to start contributing right away. His reported perimeter shooting skills and defensive versatility are maybe what the franchise is looking for, especially after a lack of the same played a role in the Lakers’ loss against the Denver Nuggets during the playoff series. According to Bleacher Report journalist Jonathon Wasserman, the player is not “overly explosive off the dribble”. However, he makes up for it with his high skill level, his 6-foot-8 stature, and a unique basketball IQ.

According to the 2024 ESPN Mock Draft revealed just a few days ago, the 23-year-old has been listed as the 17 pick to be chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the same list has also placed Bronny James as the 54 pick, who might eventually go to the Boston Celtics. After the New Orleans Pelicans decided to defer the Lakers’ first-round pick until 2025, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers now have the option to go ahead with Da Silva if they want to. However, if they choose to prioritize Bronny over him, then Mat Ishbia and the rest of the Suns management can pick the player during the late stage of the first round.

Bronny James impressed the Phoenix Suns during pre-draft workout

Before Bronny James and the rest of the draft prospects would receive their moment of truth, they engaged in a couple of pre-draft workouts. Through this, not only do the players get the chance to show off their skills, the franchises would also find out what they are looking to get into. While Tristan Da Silva has engaged in this action for the Portland Trail Blazers and others, Bronny James has only opted to do so for two teams: The Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns.

Almost a week ago, the 19-year-old was reported to have been present for the pre-draft workout with the Phoenix Suns after speculation about the same was making headlines for quite some time. AZ Central reporter Duane Rankin, who cited a couple of sources present in the practice facility, reported that Bronny “had a strong workout for the Suns, who put the players through a variety of drills with a focus on shooting”.

Ever since he announced his decision to apply for the NBA Draft, Bronny James had not been considered a viable prospect. This was due to the fact that during his tenure with the USC Trojans, the then-college athlete could only secure an average score of 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. However, his scoring skills and shooting skills have seen a slight improvement during the pre-draft workouts and the NBA Combine process.

According to Bronny and LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, the young player will restrict his ‘in-person visits’ to just the Suns and the Lakers. However, there are “a few more” invites under consideration. With the 2024 NBA draft less than two weeks ago, there isn’t time left if Bronny decides to have a change of heart.

What’s your take on Bronny’s prospects in the league? Let us know in the comments, and before leaving, check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about WNBA star rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.