Bronny James’ Motivation to Excel Drives Trade Interest In 3rd-Year Guard

There were times when LeBron James‘ departure raised the possibility that his older son and now-former Los Angeles Lakers teammate, Bronny James, would follow suit.

Before the King decided where he would play next, it had been reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers cleared a roster spot for James Jr. But once his father joined the Philadelphia 76ers, it ended up going to someone else.

The latter team also had an open spot until Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signed as a free agent. Then news broke that the Lakers were looking to utilize the USC alum’s capabilities both as a ball handler and a perimeter defender.

Despite struggling in his early days, the soon-to-be 22-year-old displayed enough improvement to get minutes with the starting roster. That, along with his offseason improvements, had Lakers fans believing that the much-maligned youngster was about to break out.

In fact, Dalton Knecht, a player selected 38 spots ahead of LeBron James’ son, is rumored to be a possible final-day cut. That proves how much the Lakers value James Jr. over the Tennessee native, despite the latter showing flashes of brilliance in the past.

There’s definitely interest there. He’s gotten much better in a short period. He knows his role, and it’s hard to find young guys who just want to excel in their role.

NBA executive told Heavy.com

Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney revealed that this new twist indicates that teams are interested in trading for Bronny James. It is not as if the Lakers are looking to dump him. Rather, his trade value has soared more than what Knecht could once bring.

Lakers could get draft picks for Bronny James

What a difference a season can make to a player’s stock. Had this news been thrown around last offseason, the only reaction coming through would have been angry fans mocking or trolling the reporter, the NBA executive in question, and the Lakers.

After all, Bronny James was painted as, at best, a top-tier G League player. But now, the notion around him has changed to someone who can contribute off the bench in both scoring and perimeter defense, both important roles on any team.

Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney remarked in his article that teams have understood how motivated the Ohio native is. Therefore, they would rather take their chances on someone hell-bent on creating his own legacy than just be known as his legendary father’s son.

On that note, the Lakers believe they will get draft assets in exchange for Bronny James. For a team that does not hold a first-round pick for the next five seasons after recent trades, any second-round pick they get could be worth their weight in gold.

On top of that, they could give Dalton Knecht another chance, rather than just cut him. That way, both players get new opportunities, while the Lakers get some draft assets.

Bronny James could further his stock with a solid preseason showing

Before last year’s preseason games, Bronny James faced a lot of ridicule for still being on the Lakers’ roster on a guaranteed contract. That changed after his exceptional effort defending rookie sensation Cooper Flagg in the preseason.

This time, he could do one better and prove that he is not just in the NBA because his father forced the team to draft him. The Lakers’ preseason starts tomorrow with a game against the Sacramento Kings.

A strong showing against the latter’s new players could do James Jr. a world of good. If no trade materializes, he could at least shed any doubts that he deserves the final spot over Dalton Knecht.

If he does eventually get trade interest, he could then, with the help of his agent and his father’s close friend, Rich Paul, go to a team where he can showcase his capabilities even more.

Also Read:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo Warns Opponents of Nightmares Trying to Score Against Heat
• Draymond Green Shuts Down Warriors’ Missing Playoffs Narrative: “You Know What We Always Going For”