Many NBA fans have their own theories about the Lakers’ selection of Bronny James in the second round of the NBA Draft, but a video released Friday reveals precisely what attracted the franchise to the former USC guard beyond his legendary father.
The Lakers posted footage showing fans inside the moment they called James to inform him he had been selected, with words from newly hired coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka.
While it was a monumental moment for James, who suffered a life-threatening cardiac arrest less than a year ago, the 19-year-old probably wasn’t surprised by the news. Agent Rich Paul reportedly tried to get the Lakers to draft his client and told teams who picked ahead of Los Angeles in the second round to stay away.
Still, the call provides a glimpse of what the Lakers see in LeBron James’ son.
Here’s a look at what Redick and Pelinka told James when they drafted him.
Lakers’ Bronny James NBA Draft Call
Pelinka and Redick spoke to James for about a minute before making the pick official Thursday, and each praised the former USC guard.
“You worked incredibly hard, man. You tried so hard,” Pelinka told James, adding that the second-round pick’s work ethic “means a lot to us.”
It’s no surprise that the Lakers were impressed by James’ work ethic, as his father has worked tirelessly to keep his body in NBA-best shape over the past 21 seasons. Young James showed determination by recovering from cardiac arrest in just a few months.
“You are a player of great character and a person of great character,” Pelinka continued.
Behind the call for pick No. 55 ? foto.twitter.com/Dcn1nnwLlU
– Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 28, 2024
Redick, who is just a few days into his tenure as Lakers head coach, also praised James’ work ethic and set the bar high with his expectations.
“Your hard work has paid off. You’re going to have a long NBA career and I look forward to coaching you,” Redick said.
Redick has no NBA coaching experience, which makes it all the more fascinating to see how he handles the dynamic of the league’s first father-son duo. While it’s unclear how much time the younger James will spend in the NBA as a rookie, the Lakers expect him to come in and compete hard for a spot.
“See you soon, Bronny. The work begins,” Pelinka said before ending the call.
James could see the court as early as the Lakers’ Summer League, which begins July 12 in Las Vegas.
