Will Bronny James Ever Play in the NBA for the LA Lakers? Major Concerns Over LeBron’s Son Ahead of Preseason
The question of whether Bronny James, LeBron James’ eldest son, will one day play in the NBA for the Los Angeles Lakers is one that has intrigued basketball fans and pundits alike. Bronny has shown immense promise as a young player, following in the footsteps of his legendary father. However, recent health concerns have cast a shadow over his future, particularly as the NBA preseason approaches.
The Rise of Bronny James
Bronny, born on October 6, 2004, has been in the basketball spotlight for years, with his high school performances drawing significant attention. Playing for Sierra Canyon High School, Bronny has shown flashes of brilliance. His ability to control the game, combined with a high basketball IQ and sharp shooting, has made him one of the most highly regarded prospects in his class.
LeBron James has been very vocal about his dream of playing alongside his son in the NBA. In fact, LeBron has hinted multiple times that he may extend his illustrious career just to share the court with Bronny. With the James name comes immense pressure, but Bronny seemed poised to take that next step.
Major Health Concerns
The most significant obstacle to Bronny’s path to the NBA is his recent health scare. In July 2023, Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest while participating in a practice session at USC, where he is slated to play collegiate basketball. Although he recovered and was discharged from the hospital, the incident raised concerns about his long-term health and ability to continue playing at an elite level.
While specific details surrounding Bronny’s condition have been limited, cardiac issues in young athletes are a serious concern. Depending on the severity of the condition and recommendations from medical professionals, this could either be a temporary setback or a career-altering moment for the young player.
Will He Ever Play for the Lakers?
For Bronny to play for the Lakers, several factors must align. First, he will need to overcome any lingering health issues. The priority for Bronny and his family will undoubtedly be his long-term well-being, and any decision about returning to the court will be heavily influenced by medical advice.
If he can return to basketball and perform well at USC, the next step would be entering the NBA draft. Given his talent and the potential draw of having LeBron James’ son on their team, the Lakers may be motivated to acquire Bronny, especially if LeBron himself is still playing.
LeBron has expressed a desire to play with or against his son before retiring, and this scenario could add extra weight to the Lakers’ interest in drafting Bronny. However, the decision would not only rest on Bronny’s health but also on his performance in college and the NBA team’s needs.
The Pressure of Expectations
Even if Bronny is cleared to return to basketball, he will face immense pressure to perform at a high level. Being the son of one of the greatest basketball players of all time comes with its own set of expectations. Comparisons to LeBron will be inevitable, and Bronny will need to carve out his own identity as a player.
Should Bronny overcome his health challenges and succeed in making it to the NBA, there is a high probability that the Lakers would be keen to bring him on board. The franchise’s connection with LeBron, as well as the marketability of having a James legacy continue in Los Angeles, makes this an attractive possibility.
The dream of seeing Bronny James in the purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers remains a real but uncertain possibility. His recent health scare has introduced significant concerns, but if Bronny can recover and return to the court, his path to the NBA could still be bright. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Bronny can make a full recovery and continue his basketball journey, with the eyes of the sports world firmly focused on his progress.
For now, the question of whether Bronny will ever play for the Lakers remains unanswered, but fans and his family will continue to hope that his health permits him to fulfill the immense potential he has shown.
