Los Angeles Lakers select Bronny James at No. 55 pick

The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA draft on Thursday, potentially pairing James with his father, LeBron James, if the four-time NBA champion chooses to return to the Lakers for his 22nd NBA season.

Bronny suffered cardiac arrest during a workout in July 2023, limiting his availability at the beginning of his freshman season with the USC Trojans. However, he was able to make a successful return to the court and averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in 25 games.

During the draft process, James worked out individually with only two teams — the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns — according to his and his father’s agent, Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports Group.

Here’s how the sports world reacted to the Lakers selecting James at No. 55.

The NBA draft is where the future becomes the present in the league, and it’s not always the players at the top of the draft who make the most immediate impact.

Last season, everyone knew that Victor Wembanyama of France was going to be selected No. 1 overall to the San Antonio Spurs. He was the most anticipated draft prospect since LeBron James and entered the season with astronomical expectations.

This year’s draft was different. There was no consensus top player, but instead a plethora of players who could emerge at the top of the 2024 class. A French player did go No. 1 overall as the Atlanta Hawks drafted wing Zaccharie Risacher with the top pick. Four French players went in the first round, including No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr and No. 6 overall pick Tidjane Salaun.

Outside of the French connection, there are storylines galore from those drafted Wednesday and any number of players who could play impact minutes as rookies. Here’s who can contribute to fantasy basketball rosters and slot into the Rookie of the Year race this season: