How Bronny James' draft choice affects the Los Angeles Lakers

ESPN recently turned some heads when they didn't list LeBron James' son, Bronny, as a prospect for this year's NBA draft. They instead listed him as a potential second-round pick for 2025, meaning that the USC freshman would have to spend a whole other year in college before entering the league.

Not only did this mock draft upset LeBron himself, it also put the Los Angeles Lakers in a favorable position. Because if Bronny listens to ESPN and decides to spend another year in college, it could take a lot off their plate.

Recent reports have said that the Lakers would seriously consider drafting Bronny in the upcoming NBA draft. But if the college player decides to stick in school for another year, they wouldn't have to spend their valuable draft picks on him. That would allow them to perhaps cobble together a trade in the summer using their picks or actually acquire a rookie star.

This would ultimately be good for LeBron, because it could build a stronger team around him. There has been a lot of talk of the Lakers making moves in the upcoming offseason, especially because they stayed quiet at the recent NBA trade deadline. If Bronny stays in school, they can re-sign LeBron and then also use their draft picks in a deal that lands them Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, or another player.

At this point, LeBron might still play with his son even if he pursues his sophomore year. He is still playing wildly well at 39 years old and is showing very few signs of slowing down.

Bronny wouldn't be a first-round pick this year but there is still a lot of attention being paid to his draft choice because of how it'll impact his father and his team.