The belief that LeBron James directly pushed the Los Angeles Lakers to draft his son has lingered since the franchise selected Bronny James with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Given LeBron’s stature within the organization and across the league, the assumption felt almost unavoidable. But a recent report suggests the decision did not come at his direct request.
According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, LeBron did not ask the Lakers to select Bronny. Shelburne said the organization made the choice independently, believing Bronny had developmental upside and recognizing that the move would naturally be well received by LeBron — even if it was not explicitly sought.
The reporting drew skepticism from some corners, including ESPN radio host Steve Mason, who openly questioned the idea that LeBron played no role. Shelburne maintained her stance, saying she “knows” there was no direct request tied to the pick.
Draft Pick Sparked Nepotism Debate Across the NBA
That distinction matters because the selection immediately reignited debate around nepotism, particularly following Bronny’s uneven freshman season at USC. Many observers questioned whether his entry into the league was driven more by his last name than his résumé, especially with Los Angeles already employing his father.
Shelburne pushed back on that framing, noting that multiple teams had Bronny on their radar before draft night. She cited the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and Phoenix Suns as organizations that showed interest.
While it remains unclear whether any would have ultimately used a draft pick on him, the attention suggests the Lakers were not alone in viewing Bronny as a viable long-term project.
Bronny James Navigating Development Amid Scrutiny
Since entering the league, Bronny has faced heavy scrutiny rather than a fast-tracked path. He has appeared sparingly during the 2025–26 season, logging limited NBA minutes while spending most of his time with the South Bay Lakers.
In three G League appearances, he has produced efficiently, quieting some of the criticism surrounding his legitimacy as a prospect.
Still, the circumstances of his arrival have remained a talking point. ESPN’s Baxter Holmes has reported on internal tensions, including alleged frustration from team governor Jeanie Buss related to perceptions surrounding the pick. Those details only added fuel to speculation about LeBron’s influence.
The Lakers, however, have largely resisted treating Bronny as a shortcut to relevance or a marketing sideshow. Internally, the expectation has been for him to earn his place through gradual improvement.
For all the noise surrounding how he arrived, the focus inside the organization appears to be on what he becomes.