“Upping Trade Value?”: Lakers’ Sudden Pivot on Bronny James Puzzles Fans Amid Latest LeBron Trade Rumor
via Imago
Bronny James, the Lakers‘ young viral prospect, is taking the next step in his basketball journey. After initially being limited to home games with the South Bay Lakers, the LA franchise has decided to let him experience the full G League grind, including road trips. This shift in strategy marks a significant change from the original plan, which drew criticism for potentially giving Bronny preferential treatment. While that’s one way to look at it, some fans, though, have connected unexpected dots here, after the latest trade rumor.
Recent trade rumors involved LeBron James, sparking speculation about the Lakers’ intentions. “Sources close to the Lakers did say that, if James asked the Lakers to trade him, they would work with him to find a deal that lands him where he’d rather be,” ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin reported. “If James was traded, it’s also believed Bronny James would have to be part of the deal.”
Some fans are questioning whether this move is aimed at increasing Bronny’s trade value, potentially as a sweetener in a blockbuster deal involving the King. The community was quick to react to this news because a lot of eyes have been on the James family, as always.
Fans feel Bronny James is finally getting the ‘normal’ player treatment!
One user wrote, “Upping trade value? LeBron and bronny move coming? Idk seems far fetched but crazier things have happened”. It’s a mix of surprise, skepticism, and a touch of conspiracy. Some fans are speculating that the Lakers might be trying to package Bronny with LeBron in a blockbuster mega trade to a team like the Golden State Warriors.
via Imago
It’s a wild theory, but hey, stranger things have happened in the NBA. Remember the Kyrie Irving trade? Or when Kevin Durant joined the Warriors? So, while it might seem far-fetched, it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility.
“This is the best decision for Bronny’s future. Nearly every young player spends time in the G League. There’s no reason Bronny isn’t consistently playing there home and on the road,” said a netizen. The G League is basically a proving ground for young talent. Look at guys like Fred VanVleet or Pascal Siakam. They both spent time in the G League and now they’re key players on championship teams. It’ll surely help the youngster grow as a player and prepare him for the NBA if that’s the path James Jr. chooses to stay on.
Another user raised an interesting question, “To your understanding, will Bronny, at some point this season, be a full-time Laker?” they wrote. While it’s exciting to see Bronny James in the G League, let’s be real. The youngster’s still got a long way to go before he’s ready for consistent NBA minutes, especially in this JJ Redick era. Sure, he’s got the name recognition and the athleticism, but the NBA is a different beast. It’s about more than just potential. It’s about skill, consistency, and the ability to survive pressure.
To your understanding, will Bronny, at some point this season, be a full-time Laker?
— John Maconi (@john_maconi) December 11, 2024
“Suns gonna stomp that fraud Jr *crying emoji*,” said another user. Harsh words there for a young prospect. Bronny James and the South Bay Lakers are heading to Phoenix to take on the Valley Suns. It’s gonna be a showdown at Mullett Arena on Thursday. And that thing about getting stomped? We’ll just have to wait, but that does not seem like a possibility.
Before the NBA draft, there were only a few other teams interested. “The suns were one off the teams that’s wanted Bronny,” rightly pointed out another netizen. Mat Ishbia and Co. were intrigued by the prospect of having him on their roster. While some speculated that drafting Bronny could eventually entice LeBron James to join the Suns. Who knows?
Maybe something is in the works… KD and LeBron on the same team? Do you want that to happen?
