Could the Lakers select Bronny James in the 2024 draft?

“My last year will be played with my son,” LA Lakers icon LeBron James told The Athletic in 2022. With Bronny James declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft, is there a chance we could be about to see the father-son duo join forces in Los Angeles?

Bronny James declares for 2024 NBA Draft after cardiac arrest recovery

James junior has made quite the return to sport after suffering a cardiac arrest during practice at the University of Southern California last July. In November 2023, doctors cleared him to play basketball again and he was back on court for USC the following month. Thankfully, his recovery has gone smoothly, with no setbacks.

“I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete,” James posted on Instagram on Friday. “I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA transfer portal.”

What picks will the Lakers have in the 2024 Draft?

With LeBron turning 40 at the end of the year, there are unlikely to be too many more chances for him to team up with his son. The all-time leading NBA scorer has been with the Lakers since 2018 and may stay on for another year, although Los Angeles could be relatively limited in the next Draft, which could stop from them snatching Bronny.

The Lakers’s hopes might depend on the New Orleans Pelicans, who own their first-round draft pick, deferring to 2025, which could happen given it’s considered a stronger draft class than 2024. As things stands, the Californians own the LA Clippers second round pick.

Before his enforced absence, the 19-year-old was tipped to be among the first 60 picks, although he has since dropped out of the reckoning for most predictors. Whether he gets drafted or not very much remains to be seen.

LeBron James available for free agency after 2023/24

The other way the pair could unite is if LeBron leaves the Lakers, which he has previously stated, again to The Athletic, he would be prepared to do.

“Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”

After the victory over the Brooklyn Nets last Sunday, in which he scored 40 points, James senior admitted he doesn’t have much time left in the NBA. Given his words and the fact he is available for free agency at the end of the current season, perhaps it will be time for one last adventure elsewhere, with Bronny in tow.