LeBron James has mentioned numerous times over the past few years that he'd love to play with his son Bronny James in the NBA.
That could come true this summer at the 2024 NBA Draft. Bronny entered his name into the draft and the college transfer portal to retain his collegiate eligibility.
NBA franchises will have an opportunity to get an up-close look at Bronny ahead of June's draft in the event that the USC freshman foregoes his college eligibility for the NBA.
Since LeBron is a member of the Lakers, Los Angeles may consider drafting his son to create the first father-son duo in NBA history.
How can they make that happen? Here's a list of the Lakers draft picks for the 2024 NBA Draft.
MORE: Will Bronny James get drafted?
Lakers draft picks 2024
The Lakers are fairly limited in the 2024 NBA Draft, which doesn't bode well for them if they want to ensure they get Bronny on the roster.
Los Angeles will have at least one draft pick this year since the franchise owns the Clippers' second rounder. It's possible the Lakers will have their own first rounder, but that relies on the New Orleans Pelicans' decision.
The Pelicans can defer the first rounder to 2025, which is considered a stronger draft class than the 2024 group. This first rounder was a part of the Anthony Davis trade in 2019.
- Lakers' first rounder: New Orleans Pelicans own the pick but can defer to 2025.
- Lakers' second rounder: San Antonio Spurs own the pick.
- Clippers' second rounder: Lakers own the pick
The Lakers traded their second rounder to the Memphis Grizzlies and received a a second rounder in return. They traded that pick soon after in the D'Angelo Russell deal. The Lakers' second rounder now belongs to the San Antonio Spurs.
Without any trades, the Lakers can have either one or two draft picks, with the Clippers' second rounder a guarantee. If they do receive their first round pick this year, the Pelicans will own the Lakers' 2025 first round selection.
MORE: Sporting News' latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft
Bronny James mock draft projections
Bronny's draft stock was much higher entering the 2023-24 season than it is now. Many sites had the USC freshman as a first rounder, or at least to be selected among the 60 picks.
Now, Bronny isn't listed on any major mock drafts following his decision to enter the NBA Draft. The Sporting News, ESPN, Bleacher Report and the Ringer do not have Bronny among the top 60 picks.
That doesn't mean James won't get drafted. His stock could rise after workouts, or, given his connection to LeBron a team may take a flyer on Bronny.
Jonathan Givony of ESPN did however have Bronny as the 39th pick in the 2025 draft.
LeBron James contract
Something to note heading into the offseason is LeBron's contract situation with the Lakers.
He signed a two-year, $99 million contract extension in August 2022, and it includes a player option on the second season. He can opt out of the contract this offseason and become an unrestricted free agent, or he can remain with the Lakers for another season and hit the market in 2025.
It's possible that LeBron makes his decision based on Bronny's NBA Draft status. LeBron, a future NBA Hall of Famer, could opt out of his deal and sign with the team that drafts his son.
If LeBron opts in, he will be making $51.4 million next season and be an unrestricted free agent in the 2025 offseason.
