LeBron James CONFIRMS Lakers exit? Superstar drops HUGE HINT about the NBA future

LeBron James hints at leaving Lakers to play with son Bronny James after 2024 NBA Draft.

LeBron James CONFIRMS Lakers exit? Superstar drops HUGE HINT about the NBA future

L-Bronny James with his father LeBron James (Image Via Jay LaPrete/AP/Bron Instagram)

LeBron James has been the face of the Los Angeles Lakers for quite some time now. However, he may be eyeing a different destination in the near future.

The four-time NBA champion posted an Instagram story on Tuesday that showed ESPN’s 2024 NBA Mock Draft, which projected his son Bronny James to be picked by the Atlanta Hawks with the 17th pick. James added a caption that read: “Welllll ATL shawty the #JamesGang will be pulling up!“

YouTube video

This could be a sign that James is open to leaving the Lakers and joining any team that drafts his son, who will be eligible for the NBA in 2024 after playing his freshman year at USC. Bronny James, an 18-year-old guard, is ranked as the No. 19 recruit in the class of 2023 by ESPN.

James has previously stated his dream of playing with his son in the NBA, saying in 2018 that it would be “the greatest achievement in my life”. He also said that when Bronny James is drafted, it will not be about money anymore, but about fulfilling his family legacy.

However, James’ contract situation with the Lakers could make it difficult for him to join his son’s team. He has two more years on his deal with the Lakers, but the final season is a player option. He could opt out and become a free agent, but he would have to wait until the 2024 draft to see which team picks his son.

Also Read: Lakers to add superstar to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis? GM makes HUGE ADMISSION about team’s offseason plans

Will LeBron James stay with the Lakers or join another team to play with his son?

LeBron James Postgame Interview
LeBron James Postgame Interview (Via House of Highlights/YouTube)

Alternatively, LeBron could opt-in and request a trade from the Lakers in 2024 after seeing which team drafts his son. However, this would depend on whether the Lakers are willing to trade him and whether they have enough assets to make a deal. The Lakers have traded away most of their future draft picks to acquire Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019.

The Pelicans own the Lakers’ unprotected first-round pick in 2024 (option to defer to 2025). This means that the Lakers have almost no chance of getting into the lottery and drafting Bronny James themselves.

James, who is 38 years old and has played 20 seasons in the NBA, remains one of the best players in the league. He averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game last season while shooting 50% from the field. However, he also missed 28 games due to injuries and could not lead the Lakers past the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.

The Hawks have a bright future ahead of them, with plenty of cap space and draft assets to improve their roster. They also have a passionate fan base and a vibrant city that could appeal to James and his family. The Hawks could also use a veteran leader like James to mentor their young players and help them take the next step towards contention.

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