While the Los Angeles Lakers continue to have trouble winning games as consistently as they’re perhaps capable of, the reality of LeBron James’ ability to opt out of his contract this summer continues to loom.
There may not be many people who expect the 39-year-old to leave the Lakers this offseason. But given the team’s struggles, as well as its chances of losing early in the playoffs or even missing the playoffs altogether, it is a possibility.
One of the possible factors in which team James will suit up for next season is what happens with his son Bronny. The younger James is a freshman at the University of Southern California. Given his very poor numbers this season, many believe it is in his best interest to stay in school for at least one more season.
Yet there is increasing chatter he may take his chances and declare for this year’s NBA draft. In fact, one executive of an Eastern Conference team says everyone is doing their due diligence to prepare for the younger James’ potential entry into the draft this June (h/t The Cold Wire).
An eastern conference exec says teams are preparing for Bronny James to enter the draft
“I think everyone is preparing for him to go in the draft, and I'm dead serious — I think a lot of teams will take the stance that they'll draft him if there's a 1% chance LeBron will join… pic.twitter.com/65mrCHKOQm
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 14, 2024
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski recently reported that while the elder James would be “head over heels excited” to play on the same team as his son, it will not be a consideration when it comes to which team he will play for next season.
But perhaps another team getting its hands on the younger James, combined with a weak finish by the Lakers this season, could entice the elder James to join that team.