(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
After months of speculation and seemingly endless rumors, the Los Angeles Lakers made the move that everyone anticipated them making during the 2024 NBA Draft.
Although few thought the storied franchise would use their first-round draft pick (No. 17) to bring in LeBron James’ son Bronny James, many believed that they would take a chance on him with their second-round pick (No. 55), as it wasn’t as much of a risk and would be a better look for the team.
Even though the Lakers brass have been heavily criticized for hiring LeBron James’ podcast co-host JJ Redick as the new head coach and drafting his son, who seems to be a player who would’ve gone undrafted had Los Angeles not taken him, general manager Rob Pelinka and company made the moves regardless and are now dealing with the backlash.
In the aftermath of bringing in Bronny James with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the 19-year-old had to make a decision on what number he’ll wear as a professional, with No. 6, which he wore at the University of Southern California, being retired to honor Boston Celtics legend, Bill Russell.
Ultimately, Bronny James went with No. 9, which was once worn by Lakers stars Nick Van Exel and Rajon Rondo via NBA Central.
Bronny will wear #9 pic.twitter.com/ls7IJPUmRL
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 28, 2024
With Bronny James now officially an NBA player and set to play alongside his father on the Lakers, the pressure will be on immediately for the USC product to show that he’s worthy of being in the league.
The real question moving forward will be whether he’ll play in the NBA Summer League next month, as that will turn into a media circus and a must-see event for Lakers fans.
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