In terms of the NBA draft, Rob Pelinka has the least enviable position right now. The Lakers GM has to tread a fine balance between retaining its star player and keep Lakers nation happy with smart draft choices. The latter depends on picking LeBron James’ son, Bronny in the 2024 NBA draft. Some think it’s a good choice, others don’t. Shaquille O’Neal’s former agent was blunt that Pelinka has LeBron on his case too. Now his situation gets complicated. Early draft projections reveal that Pelinka has competition for Bronny.
Reports emerged that the Golden State Warriors could potentially use their no.52 pick on Bronny. At the same time, the Philadelphia 76ers have entered the chat. Neither team has had workouts scheduled with Bronny yet. He has so far declined most invites but two, the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns.
Yet Pelinka can’t lower his guard. Bronny has a strong admiration for Steph Curry which could be a big factor in luring him to the Dubs over his dad’s team. However, the Sixers are apparently keen on snagging LeBron in the upcoming free agency. Picking Bronny could ensure that.
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Rich Paul anted up the pressure on Pelinka by telling ESPN, “The Lakers need to look at Bronny like everyone else. If it’s not the Lakers, that’s great. I won’t be mad if it’s not. It’s obvious that people hear the conversation around the dad and son playing together, but that’s not our focus. If it happens organically, great. I’m not building on that.” He further said that instead of putting unrealistic expectations on the 19-year-old, the front office and on-court professionals within the NBA need to consider what is good for Bronny’s growth.
However, there seems to be more emphasis on retaining LeBron in Los Angeles, which he apparently is keen on himself. Pelinka not only could lose LeBron and Bronny together if another team swoops in, but has to look at Darvin Ham’s replacement too.
The Lakers have a chaotic offseason on the cards. Along with a desperation to get Bronny, there are conflicting reports about the shortlisted candidates for head coach. JJ Redick is the inexperienced candidate the Lakers are reportedly inclined with LeBron allegedly pushing for it.
No one wants Rob Pelinka’s job
When Leonard Armato spoke to EssentiallySports on the burning topics within the NBA, Vishal Kolar put him on the spot regarding the Lakers situation. He asked Armato if he’d want to be in Pelinka’s shoes. Shaq’s former agent was firm he absolutely doesn’t want to be in that position.
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Armato: “I don’t think I could do a better job. The interesting thing is that there’s more influence now that athletes have than ever before. The superstars have so much influence on what the front office does. And the NBA is built on star power. And star power drives revenues for the teams.”
Armato not so subtly implied something Rich Paul said that LeBron is having an influence on the Lakers’ decisions. He might be hinging his continuity in LA on Bronny and his favorite coach.
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Armato: So Los Angeles has Lebron James, as the biggest star in basketball. He has tremendous influence over what the Lakers do. So Rob Pelinka has a really difficult job because he’s gotta listen to his own heart, listen to the analytics, and listen to the star of the team. It’s a tough tough job.”
Bronny is holding his cards close and not spilling the beans. How much of his decision is governed by LeBron too is unknown though a lot of fans believe it’s significant. And if another team could steal Bronny, even LeBron has reason to worry.
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