Western Conference playoff team interested in drafting Bronny James?
Nov 24, 2023; La Jolla, California, USA; USC Trojans guard Bronny James (6) warms up before the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at LionTree Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
There is still a wide range of opinions on where — or if — Bronny James will be selected in the 2024 NBA Draft, but at least one Western Conference team other than the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly has interest in the 19-year-old.
NBA reporter Marc Stein wrote on Saturday that the Dallas Mavericks “would have interest” in drafting Bronny if he were available at No. 58. The 58th overall pick is the only one the Mavericks currently have and the final selection in the draft.
According to Stein, it is “extremely unlikely” that Dallas ends up with James. One of the reasons for that is that most people around the NBA believe Bronny will not slip past No. 55, which is where the Lakers are slated to have their second pick. L.A. also has pick No. 17 in the first round.
James has worked out for the Lakers and Phoenix Suns, and agent Rich Paul has indicated that the former USC guard may not take any more visits with teams. However, this is not the first we have heard of the Mavericks potentially having interest in Bronny.
If the Mavericks genuinely have interest in Bronny, that might mean they are planning to make a run at LeBron James if LeBron becomes a free agent. LeBron seems highly unlikely to leave the Lakers, though several teams around the league might think drafting Bronny would give them a chance to sign the elder James.
