Bronny works out with Lakers ahead of NBA Draft

NBA Draft prospect Bronny James, the son of Lakers superstar LeBron James, worked out for Los Angeles on Thursday, team and league sources confirmed.

James is projected to be selected by the Lakers with the No. 55 pick in Sam Vecenie’s latest mock draft. The 19-year-old previously worked out with the Phoenix Suns on June 6. He had over 10 workout invitations but is expected to only visit a few teams. The Los Angeles Times first reported James’ workout with the Lakers.

James impressed the Lakers in his workout with his athleticism and intensity, according to team sources. The 6-foot-1 guard’s 3-and-D skill set appeals to the Lakers. He has compared himself to players like Jrue Holiday, Derrick White and Davion Mitchell during the pre-draft process.

The Lakers have the No. 17 and 55 picks in the draft, which will be held June 26-27 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Team sources previously told The Athletic that the Lakers are open to the prospect of helping LeBron fulfill his dream of playing with his son by potentially drafting him.

“My last year will be played with my son,” he famously told The Athletic in 2022.

LeBron changed his message in January 2023, telling ESPN that he would consider that family goal fulfilled so long as he shared the floor with his son “either in the same uniform or a matchup against him.”

The younger James, who suffered a cardiac arrest last July before returning to the court for his freshman season, has been fully cleared to play by the NBA’s Fitness to Play Panel. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game across 25 games at USC.

LeBron has a $51.4 million player option for next season. Team sources told The Athletic the Lakers are open to discussing any deal that involves him coming back.

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(Photo: David Becker / Getty Images)