LeBron James has never been shy about his love for the game or his desire to play alongside his son, Bronny. But according to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne, the narrative that LeBron pushed the Lakers to draft his son in 2024 might not be as clear-cut as it seems.
Speaking on the Mason & Ireland Show, Shelburne clarified that neither LeBron nor his agent, Rich Paul, directly asked the Lakers to select Bronny with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. “I don’t think LeBron asked the Lakers to draft Bronny,” she said.
“I don’t think he or Rich Paul actually said it. I think they [the Lakers] did it because they thought LeBron would like that.”
That’s a significant distinction. In a league where star power often sways front office decisions, the idea that the Lakers made the move as a gesture-not a demand-adds nuance to the story. Especially in light of recent reports suggesting a strain between LeBron and Lakers minority owner Jeanie Buss.
According to a January 20 report, Buss was reportedly frustrated with LeBron, feeling he hadn’t shown enough appreciation for the team drafting his son. Sources close to the team said Buss believed James should have been more openly grateful for what she viewed as a meaningful gesture.
Whether or not that tension is real, LeBron doesn’t seem to be losing sleep over it. When asked about the report, he brushed it off, saying he’s not concerned with how others feel about him.
The Lakers weren’t the only team with eyes on Bronny during the draft. Shelburne mentioned that the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and Phoenix Suns all had varying levels of interest.
“Would they have actually taken him? I don’t know,” she said, leaving the door open to the idea that Bronny had more than just one potential landing spot.
Of course, the headline moment came in October 2024, when LeBron and Bronny made history as the first father-son duo to share the court in an NBA game. It was a surreal moment-one that felt like something out of a movie, but very real for basketball fans watching it unfold.
Now, as LeBron plays in his record-setting 23rd NBA season at age 41, the conversation naturally shifts to his future. Is this the final chapter? Not necessarily.
“I don’t think he’s retiring,” Shelburne said. “He seems like a guy who is keeping all of his options open.”
And that tracks. LeBron has never been one to close doors prematurely.
He’s always been strategic-whether it’s about his next team, his long-term legacy, or how he wants to ride out the final years of his career.
One of those options, according to Shelburne, could include a return to Cleveland for a third stint with the Cavaliers. The idea?
Help a young, talented Cavs team finally get over the hump. Cleveland came into the season with high expectations in the East but has struggled to find consistency.
A LeBron reunion, even in the twilight of his career, could be the kind of veteran jolt they need.
So, where does that leave us? LeBron’s not done yet.
He’s still playing at a high level, still making history, and still keeping everyone guessing. Whether it’s with the Lakers, back in Cleveland, or somewhere else entirely, one thing is clear: LeBron James is still writing his story-and he’s not ready to put the pen down just yet.