JUST IN:The Lakers have unveiled Bronny James’s jersey number and impending debut after LeBron’s kid was selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Although Bronny James hasn’t signed his first NBA deal yet, details about his impending debut date and Los Angeles Lakers jersey number are already known.
The former USC guard, along with first-round pick Dalton Knecht and a group of Laker prospects, will play their first Summer League game against the Sacramento Kings in Las Vegas on July 6 at 4:30 p.m. EST. LeBron’s eldest son was selected with the 55th pick in the NBA Draft on Thursday.
It wouldn’t be shocking to see LeBron in the 17,600-seat Golden 1 Center considering he is known to train in Las Vegas throughout the offseason.
Regarding Bronny’s jersey, the team has disclosed that the local product will be playing for LA in 2024–2025 under the number 9.
Nick Van Exel, Chucky Atkins, Chris Kaman, Matt Barnes, Luol Deng, Rajon Rondo, and, most recently, Sterling Brown are other famous Lakers who have worn that jersey.
There has been discussion about nepotism in the NBA since Bronny joined the league following one disappointing season at USC, but at least one of the players mentioned above doesn’t appear to mind.
On social media, the former All-Star and second-round draft pick spoke up for Bronny against claims of nepotism.
“People behaving in such a way are not common in this world,” Van Exel, who is currently in his 50s and was formerly an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks, wrote. Haha. Congratulations. I have a ton of names!!!!!! in a variety of different professions.
The selection of Bronny in the NBA Draft has been the subject of weeks of conjecture. Some believed he should go undrafted, while others projected him as a possible first-round selection.
After suffering a heart collapse during practice in July 2023, Bronny’s one and only season as a college basketball player was a huge disappointment. After being given the all-clear to play again, he only played 19.4 minutes a game on average for the Trojans, scoring 4.8 points a game.
Despite the 19-year-old’s scant experience and college stats, the LA Lakers thought they’d had enough and selected him nevertheless.
The fact that LeBron can choose to become a free agent this week by opting out of the final year and $51 million of his contract is an interesting development that casts doubt on his future with the Lakers.
With his kid joining the team, LeBron may find it difficult to decline the Lakers’ offer of a three-year, $161 million maximum contract.
GM Rob Pelinka stated on Thursday, “We know, and have to respect, that LeBron has a decision on his opt-out.” However, NBA history might be created if it turned out that he was on our team the following season. And it’s time to make NBA history wearing a Lakers uniform.
