LeBron James has frequently expressed his desire to play alongside his son, Bronny James, in the NBA. This aspiration may materialize during the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft, as Bronny has entered his name into the draft and the college transfer portal to maintain his collegiate eligibility.

NBA teams will have the opportunity to evaluate Bronny ahead of the draft, potentially paving the way for him to join his father’s team, the Los Angeles Lakers, and create the league’s first father-son duo.

How can they make that happen? Here’s a list of the Lakers draft picks for the 2024 NBA Draft.

Lakers draft picks 2024

In the 2024 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves with limited options, potentially hindering their chances of securing Bronny for their roster.

Currently, the Lakers possess at least one draft pick, courtesy of the Clippers’ second-rounder. However, the availability of their own first-round pick is contingent upon the New Orleans Pelicans’ decision regarding a deferral option.

As part of the Anthony Davis trade in 2019, the Lakers’ first-round pick is in the hands of the Pelicans, who have the option to defer it to the 2025 draft—a class deemed stronger than the 2024 cohort.

– Lakers’ first-rounder: Owned by the New Orleans Pelicans, with the option to defer to 2025.
– Lakers’ second-rounder: Currently held by the San Antonio Spurs.
– Clippers’ second-rounder: Under the Lakers’ possession.

Originally, the Lakers traded their second-rounder to the Memphis Grizzlies, later exchanging it in the D’Angelo Russell deal. Consequently, their second-round pick now belongs to the San Antonio Spurs.

In the absence of any further trades, the Lakers could acquire either one or two draft picks, with the Clippers’ second-rounder serving as a certainty. Should they regain their first-round selection this year, it would come at the expense of forfeiting their 2025 first-round pick to the Pelicans.

Bronny James mock draft projections

Bronny’s draft prospects were considerably brighter heading into the 2023-24 season compared to the present. Several platforms projected the USC freshman to be a potential first-round pick or at least within the top 60 selections.

However, following his decision to enter the NBA Draft, Bronny has notably disappeared from major mock drafts. The Sporting News, ESPN, Bleacher Report, and The Ringer do not feature Bronny among their top 60 picks.

Nonetheless, this doesn’t preclude Bronny from being drafted. There remains the possibility of his stock rising post-workouts, or, given his connection to LeBron, a team may take a chance on him.

Jonathan Givony of ESPN did include Bronny as the 39th pick in the 2025 draft, indicating that there is still some recognition of his potential in the professional ranks.

LeBron James contract

As we approach the offseason, it’s essential to consider LeBron’s contractual status with the Lakers. Having inked a two-year, $99 million contract extension in August 2022, LeBron now holds a player option for the upcoming season. This pivotal decision looms: he can either opt out, becoming an unrestricted free agent, or opt in, remaining with the Lakers for another season before hitting the market in 2025.

Interestingly, LeBron’s choice may be influenced by Bronny’s NBA Draft trajectory. Given LeBron’s status as a future NBA Hall of Famer, he could potentially opt out of his contract and join the team that drafts his son. Should he opt in, LeBron will command $51.4 million for the next season but will then be eligible for unrestricted free agency in the 2025 offseason.