The 2024 NBA Draft was always going to be a headline-maker, but not just because of the talent pool. All eyes were on the Los Angeles Lakers, who held the 17th and 55th picks-and more importantly, because of the possibility that they’d draft Bronny James, the son of LeBron James. That possibility became reality when the Lakers used their second-round pick, No. 55 overall, to select Bronny.
At the time, the move raised eyebrows across the league. Bronny had just wrapped up a freshman season at USC that, while full of potential, didn’t exactly scream “NBA-ready.” But the Lakers pulled the trigger anyway, pairing the league’s all-time leading scorer with his son-a historic first in the NBA.
Now, nearly two years later, we’re learning more about what went on behind the scenes. According to a recent report, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss privately expressed that LeBron should have been more appreciative of the franchise’s decision to draft Bronny. She reportedly viewed the move as a personal gesture-one that may not have aligned with the best basketball decision for the organization, but was made to honor LeBron's legacy and influence.
That sentiment speaks volumes. It suggests that, internally, the Lakers may not have been fully sold on Bronny’s upside as a draft prospect. Instead, the selection appears to have been more about optics and loyalty-about keeping LeBron happy in the twilight of his career, even if it meant using a draft pick on a player who might not be ready to contribute at the NBA level.
And so far, the on-court results haven’t helped the narrative. Bronny has spent significant time in the G-League since being drafted, with multiple assignments and limited impact in the Lakers’ rotation. His development has been slow, and while that’s not uncommon for second-round picks, the expectations were always going to be different for someone with the last name “James.”
From a front office perspective, it’s easy to see how this situation could lead to tension. The Lakers made a move that seemed more about family than franchise-building, and now, with Bronny struggling to find his footing, the long-term value of that decision is being questioned. If Buss felt underappreciated in the aftermath, that frustration may have only grown as Bronny’s role has diminished.
This isn’t just about one draft pick-it’s about the delicate balance between honoring a superstar and maintaining the integrity of your team’s future. The Lakers have always been a franchise that walks that line, but this situation with LeBron and Bronny may be one of the clearest examples yet of how complicated that balancing act can be.
What happens next is anyone’s guess. Bronny still has time to develop, and LeBron, even at this late stage of his career, remains one of the most influential figures in the sport.
But as the Lakers look to stay competitive in a loaded Western Conference, the pressure to make every roster spot count is only going to grow. And if Bronny continues to struggle, the decision to draft him could go down as a rare misstep in the LeBron-Lakers era-one that was made with heart, perhaps, more than hardwood in mind.