LeBron James has been non-committal over his future with the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran superstar has a $51.4 million player option for next season.
However, he has refused to discuss his future with the franchise. LeBron is likely waiting to see how the team performs during the postseason. There’s also an expectation that he continues to hold out hope of playing alongside his son Bronny next season.
According to The Atheltic’s Sam Amick, Anthony Slater, and Jovan Buha, who all contributed to an article, the Lakers are “willing” to potentially draft Bronny next season.
As they understand, it would ensure LeBron remained with the franchise.
“James has been talking for years now about the dream scenario of playing with his oldest son,” the trio wrote. “…The idea, then, is that any team that wants to up its chances of landing James should make it a priority to go after Bronny first. The Lakers, per the high-ranking team source, are also willing to explore the notion of adding Bronny James next season. This stance, the source said, is rooted in the reality that James’ happiness truly matters to the organization.”
LeBron continues to be one of the biggest stars in the NBA. This season, having just turned 39, he is averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists.
There’s no doubt that he could still be a key part of a championship team. There’s also no question about his current motives, which is to continue winning at an elite level and cementing his legacy as an all-time great.
If acquiring Bronny via the draft gives the Lakers the best shot of retaining LeBron, then it’s a smart move. It allows the James family to remain in Los Angeles. It allows LeBron to live out his dream of sharing the court with his eldest son. And it keeps the Lakers in the hunt for another banner.
Bronny isn’t expected to be a lottery pick if he enters the 2024 NBA Draft. The Lakers should have enough assets to position themselves to acquire him in the late first round or early second.
Maybe then, the discourse surrounding LeBron’s future in L.A. will finally be put to rest. At least for a year. Then, talk of retirement will probably start to loom.
