Buckle up, sports fans! It’s not every day you hear a father planning to join his son in the NBA. Shannon Sharpe has dropped a bombshell: he believes that LeBron James won’t end up teaming up with his son Bronny James in the NBA, contrary to what LeBron’s agent Rich Paul just recently said. This is the headline that has caused a great deal of controversy among the sports community.

Sharp’s statement runs contrary to the idea that Bronny’s getting to play with LeBron is the endgame after a great career. Bronny is expected to draft in 2024, but the time seemed right for a father-son duo.

What Sharpe said about LeBron James and why

In a heated debate on his show, Sharpe clearly emphasized that he doesn’t believe in the idea of LeBron James going to a team that drafts Bronny next year. “Not this year, not next year,” Sharpe insisted when challenged by co-host Skip Bayless. Sharpe argues that although LeBron may think of playing with his son Bronny, it is doubtful that he will leave the Lakers after this season to team up with Bronny immediately. Moreover, he referred to LeBron’s competitiveness and the fact that he now chases more championships with the Lakers as the reasons.

“I just don’t see him leaving the Lakers. I believe he’s going to opt out of that contract,” Sharpe stated, referring to LeBron’s player option for 2024–25. This indicates that Sharpe believes that LeBron will sign up with LA before he joins any team with his son, Bronny, in the future.

The counter-argument 

Nevertheless, Bayless is absolutely certain that the writing is on the wall. LeBron James will experience the dream scenario of playing with his son in the NBA. He refers to the statements by LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, who has strongly hinted that it is just a part of a broader plan. “LeBron is very strategic in all that he does…I think the plan is going to play out that there, he’s going to play with LeBron probably this year,” Bayless argued, highlighting that LeBron James’s camp has been behind setting this up for years. And they also have the power to fast-track it before the 2024–25 season, which could happen if Bronny is drafted high enough.

Now, the focal point of the dispute depends on whether the temptation of playing with Bronny will override LeBron’s fierce competitiveness and his desire to chase more titles with his current Lakers team. As LeBron James is turning 39 years old this year, the chances might be coming to an end for Bronny’s dream to become a reality.

Under current dynamics, only time can tell whose prediction has a greater chance of involving basketball’s most famous family. But one thing is sure: the sports world will watch LeBron James’ every move over the next year with great interest. What’s your take on Bronny’s future trajectory? Let us know in the comments.