So the rumors were actually true. Just like many predicted, the Lakers finally drafted Bronny James with their 55 pick in today’s draft. With this move, he also becomes the first player ever to enter the league with his father still an active player.
And no one would be happier than his dad LeBron James, who had this vision for a very long time. But moments after creating history, LeBron and the Lakers were met with a ton of criticism from Bay Area veteran Mark Willard, while also facing tampering allegations for ‘a suspicious act’ to get to Bronny.
Discussing the move on the Willard and Dibs show, Mark questioned the Lakers’ intentions. “This is not about winning basketball games. Steph Curry would never do this and the Warriors organization would never do this,” he believed.
While this is the move everyone expected the Lakers to make, it is unlikely to move the needle for them in their pursuit of getting back to title contention. Averaging only 4.8 points as a freshman at USC, Bronny’s credibility as an NBA player has been doubted ever since he entered his name in the draft. And now that he is a Laker, he will be under more pressure and scrutiny to perform well.
Standing just a little over 6’1”, Willard probably believes that the Lakers could have selected a better prospect than Bronny which would have increased their chances of winning. However, Bronny and LeBron do not seem too bothered by the noise around them because they are busy enjoying this historic father-son moment. Moments after fulfilling his NBA dream, Bronny expressed gratitude on his IG story saying, “Beyond Blessed.”
Meanwhile, his proud dad also spammed his followers with multiple pictures of him and Bronny from childhood to now, writing, “LEGACY!!!!!! 🤴🏾🤴🏾” Moreover, Stephen Curry, who Willard claimed would never have made such a decision also supported the father-son duo as he shared LeBron’s post on his IG story appreciating the moment.
Rich Paul reportedly made sure Bronny goes to the Lakers
While the Lakers seemed to have made their decision to draft Bronny at #55, there was also a risk of teams stealing the USC star before Pelinka even got a chance to make his pick. Ever since the 19-year-old attended the Draft Combine in Chicago, he had increased his draft stock significantly and sparked interest from several teams.
Moreover, drafting Bronny would also have brought hope of attracting LeBron James to their franchise as he has a $51.4 million decision to make in a couple of days. But LeBron and Bronny’s agent Rich Paul made sure that the teenager wore Purple and Gold at the end of the draft.
USA Today via Reuters
As per ex-Warriors GM Bob Myers, Rich Paul was reportedly busy throughout the entire draft giving franchises a specific instruction.
“Right now, Rich Paul is calling teams, don’t take Bronny James. He’s telling them to not take him. Saying don’t take him, if you take him, he’s going to Australia. So, he has a plan and he has a place,” Myers revealed. This extensive measure to get what he wants also brought tampering allegations the Lakers’ way. However, with many already expecting this outcome ever since Bronny entered the draft, these allegations will likely not lead to any penalty.
As far as the Lakers go, drafting Bronny not only gives them a talented rookie with significant upside but also increases the chances of LeBron staying in LA for a few more years. And unlike what Willard claimed, it is eventually a winning move by Rob Pelinka, isn’t it?
Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato has to say about the alleged Shaq and Kobe Lakers beef. Keep checking this space for more such updates.
