NBA prospect Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, completed a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, per the Los Angeles Times’ Dan Woike.
“James worked out for the Lakers on Thursday, according to people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly,” Woike wrote.
“James’ athleticism, defensive potential and shooting at the Chicago draft combine have certainly interested the Lakers, who could help make history by pairing him with his father, LeBron James, should he return to the team in free agency this summer (if he opts out, as expected).”
The Lakers have the No. 17 overall pick and the No. 56 overall pick in this month’s draft.
James initially was seen as a possible prospect to go undrafted this year, but a strong showing at the NBA combine last month has helped his stock tremendously. While he averaged just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his sole season at USC, he’s made up for his numbers in recent weeks.
He boasted the fourth-highest vertical leap at the combine at 40.5 inches while also showing potential in agility drills. He also proved that his 26.7 percent from deep numbers in college might not be a reflection of his abilities after shooting 19-for-25 in the 3-point shooting drill, second among prospects at the combine.
James also had a solid showing in the scrimmages at the combine.
Aside from his talent, there’s a clear motivation for the Lakers to draft James to pair him with his father and perhaps improve their chances of keeping him around this offseason. LeBron James has a player option that he can exercise to become a free agent this summer, and Los Angeles drafting his son could help keep the star with the team.
It’s clear James is a work in progress, but with the right development, he could be a solid player in the NBA. Perhaps having him playing alongside one of the best players of all time—who happens to be his father—could be exactly what he needs.