As expected, the Los Angeles Lakers made Bronny James the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft Thursday night.
LeBron James’ long-rumored desire to play with his first-born son is becoming reality. While there are some who roll their eyes at the nepotism involved, it’s undoubtedly cool to see a father-son duo in the NBA.
Shortly after Bronny’s name was called, people took to social media to discuss LeBron wielding his power to have the Lakers hire JJ Redick as head coach and draft his son.
“The Lakers, one of the most significant franchises in the history of sports, hired LeBron’s podcast partner as head coach and drafted his son. That is WILD,” said CBS Sports’ Shehan Jeyarajah.
“The Lakers saw the Celtics win their 18th banner to move into sole possession of Best Team Most Titles and decided their first two moves would be to hire LeBron’s podcast partner as their coach and then draft his son,” trolled a Celtics fan.
“Proud moment for LeBron fans and his family. Lakers hired LeBron’s podcast partner as their new head coach, then draft LeBron’s son a week later. Now that’s Black king power,” said Arizona Central sports writer Dana Scott.
“Two funny things have happened lately with LeBron. Reports that he isn’t involved in the coaching search -his podcast partner becomes the head coach. Reports that he isn’t involved in the draft picks -his son gets drafted Why does he not want us thinking he makes decisions?” asked Stokastic’s Greg Ehrenberg.
“I mean Lebron kinda just ended the GOAT debate. He got the storied LAKERS to hire his podcast partner and draft his kid. Ownership calls him boss,” another person chimed in.
If we’re being honest, we get the cynicism, but it’s way more objectionable that LeBron got his friend and podcast partner Redick hired as head coach with no experience than the fact he persuaded the Lakers to take Bronny at a point in the draft when most picks wind up being inconsequential anyways.
Best case, Bronny becomes a contributing member of the team. Worst case, he doesn’t, which is the outcome for most late second round picks anyway.