Western rival considering signing Bronny James before the Lakers?

In the weeks leading up to the 2024 NBA Draft, it was 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 clear that he would like to play alongside his son, and the Lakers were in prime draft position to sign him without having to part with any assets.

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

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

He stood next to Pelinka as the Golden State Warriors, who tried to trade for James last season, considered whether to take Bronny at No. 52. The Warriors liked 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 to entice James to sign there as a free agent. But ultimately, sources said, the Warriors chose to respect the wishes James had made clear, and the Lakers signaled they would honor them.

The Warriors could have easily chosen Bronny in hopes of luring James to Golden State next season, or they could have tried to force LA into a trade to move up three spots. Instead, they drafted Boston College big man Quinten Post.

Post ultimately signed a two-way contract 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 take Bronny shows the respect the league has for LeBron. Although he never openly asked other teams not to sign Bronny, the Warriors felt it would be more respectful to drop him at No. 55 so the Lakers could make the obvious decision.

Bronny James focused on being himself

It will be difficult for Bronny James to escape the spotlight this season, even though he is spending much of his time with the South Bay Lakers of 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 LeBron.

Bronny has already faced a lot of criticism, even though he has never spoken in an NBA or G League game. Many believe he doesn't deserve to be drafted at all, even though the Lakers only selected him with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

The best and only thing Bronny can do this season is to focus on being true to himself and tuning out any criticism he can. At some point his game will speak for itself. Until then, James spoke at Lakers Media Day about staying himself.

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