2. Select Bronny James at No. 55 overall
Let's be honest: We were going to get here at some point. The second round is where many believe Bronny James will come off the board, and at No. 55 overall, the Los Angeles Lakers will have an opportunity to pair him with his father, LeBron James.
It'd be far less chaotic than another potential outcome, but even with a pick at the back end of the second round, adding James would cause a commotion.
James played his freshman season with the USC Trojans before declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft. Just when the hype train was rolling into the Galen Center, however, he went into cardiac arrest and nearly lost his life.
Discounting the impact that such a terrifying experience could have on a person at any age, let alone at 18, would be disingenuous.
James' freshman season was inevitably affected, as he missed games and practices that could've helped him find his rhythm. He's impressed many during the buildup to the 2024 NBA Draft, however, shooting well and turning heads with a 40.5" max vertical leap.
The Lakers drafting James would cause a stir regardless of when in the draft it happens, but at least in the second round, it would be an upside pick at a spot that isn't expected to produce a proven commodity.