Philadelphia 76ers’ Plan For LeBron James, Bronny
Bronny James’ decision to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft last week sent massive reverberations throughout the league.
Immediately all talk turned to whether Bronny would be taken in the first round by anyone, especially given how awful this year’s draft class is, and whether he would be selected in an effort to also nab LeBron James.
This week, one potential suitor emerged who could try to steal LeBron from the Los Angeles Lakers by making a play for Bronny.
According to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, the 76ers could opt to draft Bronny in an effort to lure LeBron to town.
“Outside of LA, the Philadelphia 76ers are the franchise most often brought up by members of other teams,” he wrote.
“The 76ers have a pair of stars in Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, in addition to max cap space, their own first-round pick and an aggressive general manager in Daryl Morey.”
Around the league, many view Bronny and LeBron as a package deal.
“LeBron has said he would love to play on the same team as his son at some point,” Vecenie noted.
“Will an NBA team select Bronny as a ploy to sell James on joining their team this summer? If so, at what pick would such an investment be worthwhile?
“Will Klutch Sports, led by LeBron’s agent and childhood friend Rich Paul, try to dissuade certain teams from drafting Bronny to get him to the location of their choice? These are questions multiple front offices are asking.”
That said, it also wouldn’t surprise anyone if the Lakers made a bold push to retain LeBron by drafting Bronny.
“The obvious team to deploy such tactics is the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron’s current team,” Vecenie added.
“The Lakers’ only assured pick this draft is the LA Clippers’ second-round pick, currently projected at No. 55. Los Angeles could also buy into an earlier part of the second round to better position itself to select Bronny.”
The next few months promise to be interesting.
Where will LeBron ultimately be playing next season? How will Bronny figure into the equation? And will the 76ers be involved in any capacity? An answer one way or the other is coming sooner rather than later.
