New York – Los Angeles Lakers Broney James was selected with the 55th pick in the NBA draft on Thursday, a major step toward Lakers star LeBron James' longtime dream of teaming up with his oldest son in the NBA.
« There is no feeling [f—ing] « The world is better than raising my boys to be men. » LeBron James wrote on Wednesday With an Instagram photo of him playing basketball with his 17-year-old sons Brony and Bryce. “I get emotional thinking about your journey so far! Thank you for letting me be your dad and be part of your compass through life's trials and tribulations!”
The NBA's inaugural two-day draft is set for Wednesday's first round at Brooklyn's Barclays Center and Thursday's second round at ESPN Studios in Manhattan. The James family traveled to New York City for draft week, but James did not attend draft ceremonies and was unavailable for media interviews.
James' agent, Clutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, had « a plan and a place » to land his client with the Lakers, ESPN commentator Bob Myers told Thursday's draft broadcast.
« Rich Paul calls the teams [and saying] Don't take Brony James,” Myers said early in the second round. « [Paul] « If you take him, he's going to Australia, » he says.
LeBron James, 39, has long hoped to become the basketball version of Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., who played together in 1990 and 1991 with MLB's Seattle Mariners. LeBron James is his son's constant presence at USC. High school and AAU competitive sports in recent years. If LeBron and Brony James take the court together, they will become the first father and son duo in NBA history to do so.
Brony James, who first gained national attention as a freshman at Sierra Canyon School north of Los Angeles, grew into a four-star recruit and one of the highest-earning Name, Image and Appearance (NIL) athletes thanks to her popularity and massive social media presence. The following.
On the court, the 6-foot-2 guard averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games with USC, and he spent most of the season coming off the bench. James flashed his ability as a perimeter defender, but he wasn't used as a primary playmaker and shot just 26.7 percent on three-pointers.
After the Trojans went a disappointing 15-18 and failed to reach the NCAA Tournament, coach Andy Enfield left for Southern Methodist University and James entered the NCAA's transfer portal, declaring for the NBA draft. He later chose to remain in the draft and participated in the NBA's scouting combine in Chicago.
« I've had a year with some ups and downs, but everything has added to my growth as a person, student and athlete, » James said on Instagram in April when he announced his departure from USC. “I have decided to enter the NBA draft while maintaining my college eligibility and will also enter the NCAA transfer portal. Thank you to USC for an amazing freshman year, and always thank you to my family, friends, doctors, athletic trainers and fans for their support. »
LeBron James' contract with the Lakers includes a $54.1 million player option through the 2024-25 season, and he has until Saturday to decide whether to exercise it. The 21-year veteran is reportedly seeking a multi-year extension with the Lakers, who hired James' podcast co-host JJ Redick as their coach this month.
« I'm going to dedicate this season to Brony because of what happened this summer, » LeBron James said last October. « It puts everything into perspective. No matter what's going on in your life at that time, the most important thing is your family. To see what he's been through the last few months, it's been a lot. I can only imagine what it's been like for him because it's been so much for me and our family. »
