Raptors Among Teams Scouting Son of NBA Superstar
The Toronto Raptors have been keeping tabs on one of college basketball’s most intriguing prospects.
The organization is said to be among the multiple teams who have scouted Bronny James ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, Shams Charania told the Pat McAfee show. Other teams include the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat and “plenty of teams” who have looked into James who could declare for the draft this year.
The 6-foot-4 James is the eldest son of LeBron James and is currently a freshman at USC. At one point, he was considered among the top prospects in the draft, but the 19-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest in July stemming from a congenital heart defect and has played in just 17 games this year, averaging 5.9 points per game.
LeBron James has repeatedly said he’d like to play alongside his son one day, potentially further incentivizing a team to draft his son early in the draft. It’s further added to the intrigue around Bronny James who is not currently considered to be a top prospect should be enter the draft this year.
Toronto is unlikely to have much, if any, cap space this summer to actually pursue LeBron James should be opt-out of his deal with the Lakers. Theoretically, the Raptors could create over $30 million by renouncing the rights to Gary Trent Jr. and Bruce Brown Jr. while signing Kelly Olynyk to an extension. A cost-saving trade involving Chris Boucher or Jalen McDaniels could clear up more space, but it’s tough to see Toronto clearing up max contract money this summer.
The Raptors will have at least two picks in this year’s draft and could potentially keep their own pick if it lands in the top six.
