Lakers to get Bronny James at all costs as LeBron sets new career goal before retirement

Having LeBron James on your team will always give you a chance to win an NBA championship. However, every single team he’s been a part of has also had to make several big moves to make sure to accommodate him, keep him happy, and surround him with the kind of talent he needs to succeed.

That’s not a knock on James by any means, as that’s just what happens when you’re one of the best at what you do. Needless to say, the Los Angeles Lakers haven’t been — and won’t be — the exception to that rule.

Even at this age, LeBron’s impact on everything that goes down behind closed doors is palpable. The team is trying to make the most of him while he’s still wearing the Purple & Gold, and they’ve talked about their desire to be his last stop in the league.

That’s why, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, they’re determined to go the extra mile to make sure that happens. That means they’re going to leave no stone unturned to find a way to get his firstborn, Bronny James, once he declares for the 2024 NBA Draft.

LeBron and Bronny James

Lakers Will Draft Bronny

“If he declines a $51 million player option, James could be a free agent next summer,” Vardon wrote. “The serious health issue that befell his son Bronny over the summer and potentially delayed his entrance into the NBA Draft could be the single biggest factor affecting James’ free agency.”

Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest earlier in the offseason and collapsed while practicing at USC. But he seems to be fine now, and doctors claimed he’s in no danger and can resume his professional basketball career if he so chooses. That would make him eligible for the next edition of the Draft.

“He would want to be able to play on the same team as his son, if it’s possible, but even if Bronny is in the draft (he intends to play at some point this season as a freshman for USC), most observers believe the Lakers will find a way to make sure that happens in Los Angeles,” the report added.

James Wants To Play With His Sons

LeBron has never shied away from this subject. He’s openly talked about his desire to make history by teaming up with Bronny, and he even stated that he would play for the veteran minimum and switch teams if that’s what it would take to get it done.

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Notably, a new ad by Beats by Dre hints at James also wanting to play with his younger son, Bryce. The ad shows his wife Savannah talking about how he’s not going to be done until he plays with his son, right as Bronny’s face appears. Then, she adds, ‘then do that again,’ and Bronny’s face is replaced with Bryce’s.

James would have to play until he’s 42 to fulfill that dream, and while that wouldn’t be shocking, considering his health and how he continues to dominate, it might be too early to talk about that.