So, in case anyone missed it, the 2024 NBA Draft was held on June 26-27. Oh, you did miss it? Intentionally? It was a two-day event like some aluminum copy of the NFL Draft? These are questions I asked myself in the mirror on June 28 when I learned there was a draft the previous two days. Some sportswriter I am, but without any notable stars waiting to be drafted in either round, there was absolutely no reason for me to watch this event. What I did gather from the Draft was that France seems to be stockpiling 7 foot players that look like Violet Beauregarde after being stretched like a bar of taffy. Victor Wembanyama was the first overall pick in the 2023 Draft and three French players filled the top ten for this year’s draft with Zaccharie Risacher claiming the top pick for Atlanta, so France is just one player away from completing its global takeover of the NBA. Actually, keep an eye out for them during these summer Olympics…they’re coming for our stuff even though we’ve taken so much of their stuff…but we’re America…we’re allowed to do that.
Ultimately, the NBA Draft this year had some good selections that could blossom fruit in a few seasons for many of the players, but the actual news of the Draft came from a decision made by nepotism when the Los Angeles Lakers selected Lebron James’ son, Bronny James with the 55th pick in the second round. This draft pick would make history as it would be the first time that a father and son would play on the same basketball team; there have been other sports like baseball where Ken Griffey Jr & Sr played on the same team, but basketball has rarely ever seen longevity like Lebron’s. However, while this selection seems like a feel good story for the Lakers, Lebron, and even Bronny–hey he gets to play on one of the most treasured franchises with his dad–there is also a shade of concern and worry for all parties involved.
I don’t want to take away from the fact that Bronny is a skilled basketball player–he could whoop me and any keyboard warrior on Twitter…or X in a one-on-one–but his recent cardiac arrest episode in August of 2023 put his health and future in basketball in jeopardy. Basketball has undergone a jarring history of players in college and the pros like Len Bias, Hank Gathers, and Reggie Lewis all suffered from either heart defects or an attack that resulted in their tragic deaths; recent players like Chris Bosh and LaMarcus Aldridge had to end their careers earlier than expected because of heart problems. It’s a sport that puts your heart rate in a constant ebb and flow and even the most physically fit athlete stands no chance over something out of their control. Which brings us back to Bronny–after his cardiac episode, his draft stock plummeted not because of his level of play…although his skill level did drop because of the incident…teams were much too frightened to have another Len Bias happen on the court. Especially if it’s the son of one of the game’s most decorated stars. So, rumors swirled that Bronny would not be drafted at all and start his journey in the G-League, but Lebron urged his team to draft his young son in order to give him the best opportunity to play together.
Of course, I have no issue with Lebron wanting to play on the same court with his son; playing catch or a pickup game with your dad is some of the most genuinely fun times sons can have with their fathers. Some of my earliest memories with my dad were playing catch with either a football or baseball and back then…let’s just say I was afraid of an object flying at me with great speed and I would cower away from the ball…much to my dad’s chagrin. However, I don’t think the James’ have truly considered what this draft pick will bring for the Lakers, Bronny, and the cohesion of the locker room. Nepotism rears its head every once in a while and is typically viewed as a negative act where favoritism rules the day rather than skill and competency. Clearly, Lebron’s influence to draft his son screams nepotism, but it’s such an impressively rare feat that a player can flex this level of power to get what he wants rather than the owner. Wait, aren’t the Lakers filled with nepotism hires with the Buss family?
Do I think Bronny can make it onto an NBA roster and play with his father when the season starts? Well, I think he will play with Lebron at some point in this season, and Bronny will receive coaching at some of the highest levels with his dad displaying a genius-level basketball IQ and his new coach JJ Redick will provide a younger voice more attuned to his style of play. I’m not sure how this particular draft choice will help the Lakers dig themselves out of this rut they’ve been in since winning a title in 2020, but for now, the spotlights will remain on the father/son duo until we find out.