Months of predictions about Bronny James’ NBA future ended in the likeliest scenario. The Lakers used their 55th pick to draft the 19-year-old son of LeBron James, the franchise’s most influential star. The build-up had all the spice. Bob Myers reported that Rich Paul allegedly threatened the NBA teams would lose Bronny to the Australian league if he was undrafted. From there onwards, it seemed almost destined that Bronny would head to LA.

Speaking about the historic father-son pair-up, ESPN’s Michelle Smallman didn’t fault the 20-time All-Star for ensuring his son got drafted by the Lakers. “We were watching Aaron Rodgers basically assemble the Jets to his liking,” she told the former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum.

Tannenbaum acknowledged that star players appreciate having a degree of influence. But it’s a precedent to draw a line when making crucial management decisions.

Unsportsmanlike’s Evan Cohen also suggested LeBron James had a role in drafting Bronny. He believes it isn’t a decision James took as a father for the betterment of his son but rather for himself and his legacy. Cohen, however, admitted that LeBron had earned himself the stature to hold a roster pick.

“He has earned an additional roster spot,” Cohen professed while providing past proof of the Lakers signing his former teammates J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson. The difference he pointed out was that the past decisions were made with decorated resumes and the postseason picture in mind.

But with Bronny’s selection, Cohen believes LeBron didn’t factor in the hindrance Bronny could face being under the same roof as him.

Being the son of the franchise ace might earn Bronny preference and added minutes. He might not be treated as a hungry rookie but as the son of LeBron. Moreover, with JJ Redick as the head coach, another link to the four-time MVP, it can affect the NBA career trajectory of the young and blooming basketball prodigy.

Rob Pekinka assures LeBron James wasn’t the reason to draft Bronny

Pelinka, the general manager of the Lakers, didn’t entirely rule out LeBron James from the conversation. He admitted that the historic father-son duo sharing the court would be a surreal moment. But he emphasized it wasn’t the reason they took the decision. Rather, it was because they believed in Bronny James’ abilities and infectious work ethic. The Lakers GM himself saw Bronny through the numerous workouts he had within the Lakers’ facilities before the draft.

“Bronny is, first and foremost, a person of high character. And second, he is a young man that works incredibly hard. Those are the qualities we look for in drafting players and adding to our developmental corps at the Lakers. Coach Redick and I were able to welcome him to the Lakers family and let him know that this moment was happening mostly because of the work he’s put into the game and because of the character young man that he is,” Rob Pelinka told the media. 

The entire landscape of the Purple and Gold has changed since last season. There will be a new coaching staff assisting Redick. It will be paramount to put in place a favorable development plan that can access Bronny’s perimeter prowess and defensive hunger. Bronny’s signing might have had LeBron James’ influence on it. But everything from here is in the hands of the 19-year-old.

To know what Shaq’s former agent thought about JJ Redick’s hire as the new head coach for the Lakers, watch our conversation with him in the video below.