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ESPN Analyst Says Playing With Bronny Isn’t At The Top Of LeBron’s List In Regard To Immediate Future

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LeBron James high fives his son, Bronny, after a USC basketball game.

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Bronny James declared for the NBA Draft this offseason following one year at USC. Despite posting modest numbers as a freshman, he’s opted to remain in the draft class rather than remove his name and return to college.

Many speculate that the decision has to do with his father, LeBron James’s, future with the Lakers. Leading into the draft, there’s been an underlying narrative that selecting Bronny means also landing LeBron for the 2024-25 campaign.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst poked a hole in that theory, though, suggesting that the father-son package isn’t a guarantee.

While making a Monday morning appearance on Get Up, Windhorst said that he does anticipate LeBron James opting out of his current contract with Los Angeles, saying that there are a number of reasons for that potential decision.

Playing alongside Bronny isn’t at the top of the list, though.

“Over the last few months, Rich Paul, who’s the agent for LeBron and Bronny James, has made an effort to part the concept that drafting Bronny James means you’re getting LeBron,” Windhorst said.

“I do believe LeBron’s going to opt out of his contract… and leaving optionality for playing with Bronny is on the list but I don’t think it’s at the top. I do think he’s going to be back with the Lakers.”

While he suggests that having the option of playing with his son could certainly influence his immediate future plans, LeBron James isn’t going to throw everything aside to join forces with Bronny on a new team.

In fact, he believes LeBron will be back with the Lakers when all is said and done, no matter what happens with Bronny on draft night.

While Windhorst did note that the father-son pairing is far from a guarantee, he did float the most likely scenario for the two to suit up as teammates.

Could the Lakers draft Bronny James?

Windhorst believes so!

He went as far as to say that Los Angeles will make it a concerted effort to land him in that second round.

“If the Lakers have an opportunity to draft Bronny James, they will do so,” he claimed. “Whether that’s with the 55th pick, or if they make a deal to… pick up another pick, I think they will try. I do not think it’s going to be their top priority.”

So, you’re saying there’s a chance?!

Windhorst closed by saying that a number of organizations could be high on Bronny, who they believe played out of position at USC.

The guard average 4.8 points per game with the Trojans, who boasted a handful of talented backcourt players. With James missing the beginning of the season following a cardiac arrest, he was pushed to the wing and unable to fully maximize his potential.

NBA teams are confident they can increase that production with the proper placement and positioning. It will be interesting to see where Bronny ends up!