The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to select guard Bronny James out of USC in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft made headlines for several reasons. First, it created the first-ever father-son duo in the NBA, leading to a special moment for the entire basketball world.

But many people also believed that James was only taken because his father was on the roster. The Lakers were accused of nepotism by many, especially since Bronny didn’t have a great season in college.

Nevertheless, he decided to make the jump to the NBA and can now realize his dream as an NBA player. But getting him to Los Angeles may not have been as easy as it seemed.

Los Angeles had the No. 55 pick in the second round, with a few other teams right before them showing interest in the young guard.

In fact, it appears that the Lakers’ rival, the Golden State Warriors, almost drafted James. However, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Golden State pulled out due to the respect they had for LeBron’s desire to play alongside his son.

The Warriors liked Bronny’s skills and put him on their draft board, sources said. Selecting him ahead of the Lakers, who had the 55th pick, would have been a smart move — perhaps even to entice James to sign there as a candidate.” But ultimately, sources said, the Warriors chose to respect the wishes James made clear and the Lakers indicated they would fulfill them.

Even with the respect Golden State had for Bronny’s father, his agent also told teams not to draft his client. The plan all along was to bring Bronny to the Lakers so he could play alongside his father, but also because his team believed Los Angeles was the best landing spot for him.

With new head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers will place more emphasis on player development. Bronny may take a minute to become an impactful player at the NBA level, so having a team that prides itself on player development is critical.

Los Angeles will have to be patient with the young guard and give him a chance to work through his missteps. If they can do that, the Lakers could ultimately get a productive piece of their future.

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