Bronny James shares two-word reaction after being drafted by Lakers
Bronny James’ dreams came true on Thursday night as he was drafted 55th by the LA Lakers, the team his father, LeBron James, plays for. Bronny and LeBron can become the first father-and-son duo to play together in the NBA.
After months of uncertainties about whether or not his name would be called in the draft, Bronny is now an NBA player, alongside his father, fulfilling a longtime prophecy by LeBron that he wants to play with his son before he retires from the game.
Bronny shared his reaction to being drafted on Instagram after the draft.
“Beyond blessed,” Bronny posted.
Bronny, who played for the USC Trojans, averaged a measly 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game in his freshman season.
James’s son had a long road to get to the NBA draft. Bronny only played in the middle of his freshman year as he recovered from a cardiac arrest that required him to undergo surgery for a congenital heart defect.
Bronny was only medically cleared to play on the eve of the NBA draft combine and performed well in the combine. He improved his stock by impressing with his 40.5-inch vertical jump and finishing third in a 3-point shooting showcase, which was an aspect of his game scouts grew concerned about in college.
However, for the father-son duo to be set in L.A, LeBron will need to opt in for his final year with the Lakers, worth $51.4 million, next season or opt out and re-sign. Either deal would not only retain James, who is entering his 22nd season and is the NBA’s all-time scorer but also avoid him from being snagged by other teams in unrestricted free agency.
Depending on the NBA deal Bronny may get, LeBron can play with his son for several more years if he signs the Lakers’ intended offer of a maximum three-year, $162 million deal he is eligible to get.
Bryce James captures the moment when brother Bronny hears his name in the NBA draft
Bryce James was a proud brother on Thursday as he joined Bronny James in celebrating his selection in the NBA draft.
Bryce captured the moment on his Instagram story, as Bronny’s friends and family celebrated immediately after the Lakers picked him.
Bronny and Bryce played together for Sierra Canyon School, a private preparatory school in Los Angeles. They also share the same agent, Rich Paul, who was a longtime friend of their father, LeBron, and reportedly was active during the NBA draft for Bronny.
Bryce is 17 years old, and his basketball career path could go similarly to that of Bronny's.