The Los Angeles Lakers are beginning to look like one of the biggest winners of the 2024 NBA Draft. Dalton Knecht has emerged as an early contender for Rookie of the Year, Quincy Olivari is looking like a steal of an undrafted free agent, and Bronny James is beginning to make a name for himself.
Unfortunately, on the heels of James' best performance as a member of the organization, a new rumor has set the stage for an unnecessary distraction.
The headlines surrounding James have been less than friendly. Despite his success as a four-star recruit coming out of high school, critics have accused the Lakers of making what equates to a nepotism hire due to his father, LeBron James, being one of the franchise's top stars—a criticism that is seeing its flames stoked at an inopportune time.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers wouldn't trade one James family member without the other being included in the deal.
"Of course, Bronny James ($1.2 million) would not be included in a trade that doesn’t include LeBron, team and league sources told The Athletic."
James is beginning to silence his critics with his play in the G League, but this is likely to create yet another unnecessary distraction as he simply attempts to carve out his own career.
Lakers won't trade Bronny James unless LeBron James is included
Bronny James turned heads when he dropped 16 points in a South Bay Lakers win over the San Diego Clippers on Dec. 7. A game later, he erupted for 30 points on 13-of-23 shooting, and followed up with a second 16-point performance the next time out.
It was a welcome display of potential as a scorer from a player who has been praised for his defensive upside, but generally struggled on offense prior to his recent stretch of success.
Unfortunately, just when it seemed like James was proving that he's in the NBA based on his own merit, this rumor added fuel to the critics' fire. It's a development that's come to epitomize the early stages of his career.
No matter what James does, those who believe his father is responsible for his success have downplayed his quality.
This, of course, isn't Buha's fault, as he's simply reporting what his sources have told him—including those within the organization itself. One simply can't help but acknowledge the optics of James being untouchable unless his father all but approves a trade.
It's understandable from a familial perspective, but as the younger James looks to escape his father's shadow, this report does him no favors.
Moving forward, one can only hope that James can keep his head high and continue to excel in the G League. He's already beginning to silence the skeptics and prove that he has the talent to justify the use of the No. 55 selection in the 2024 NBA Draft.
James likely would've preferred to begin his NBA career without the surplus of distractions he's endured, but his play speaking for itself could overcome even the most polarizing of rumors.