In the weeks leading up to the 2024 NBA Draft, it was seen as a foregone conclusion that the Los Angeles Lakers would select USC guard Bronny James with the No. 55 overall pick. LeBron James had made it known he wanted to play with his son, and the Lakers were in prime draft position to acquire him without having to part with any assets.

There were rumors that Bronny had interest from other teams like the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors, but nothing materialized on draft day and he went to the Lakers as planned at No. 55. But new rumors suggest it almost didn’t happen that way happened.

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Warriors reportedly even considered selecting Bronny with the No. 52 overall pick after rumors last year that they were trying to trade for LeBron:

He stood next to Pelinka as the Golden State Warriors, who had tried to trade for James last season, weighed whether to draft Bronny at No. 52. The Warriors were pleased with Bronny’s skills and had 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 enticing James to sign there as a free agent. But ultimately, sources said, the Warriors chose to respect the wishes James made clear and the Lakers indicated they would fulfill them.

The Warriors could have easily opted for Bronny in hopes it would lure James to Golden State next season, or they could have tried to force LA into a trade to move up three spots. Instead, they called up Boston College big man Quinten Post.

Post ultimately signed a two-way deal with the Warriors and is expected to spend much of the season with their G League affiliate in Santa Cruz.

However, their decision not to bring Bronny shows the kind of respect the league has for LeBron. Despite never openly asking other teams not to take Bronny, the Warriors felt it was more respectful to drop him to No. 55 so the Lakers could make the obvious choice.

Bronny James focused on being himself

It will be difficult for Bronny James to escape the spotlight this season, even if he spends much of it with the South Bay Lakers in the G League. That’s just part of the territory for the son of one of the greatest players of all time, and his teammate, in LeBron.

Bronny has already received a lot of criticism, despite the fact that he has yet to speak in an NBA or G League game. There are many who believe he didn’t deserve to be drafted at all, even though the Lakers didn’t select him until he was picked No. 55 in the 2024 NBA Draft.

So the best and only thing Bronny can do this season is focus on staying true to himself and ignoring any criticism that may arise. Ultimately, his play will speak for itself. Until then, James spoke at Lakers Media Day about how he’s going to continue to be himself.

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