Until recently, there was a prevailing notion that if Bronny James were to pursue a career in the NBA, he would likely require several years of development before being ready for the professional level.
However, a growing number of scouts now believe that he has a strong chance of being selected in the first round of the draft. He will potentially even join as a top-10 pick.
Bronny James a Top-10 pick in 2024? 👀 @DraftExpress breaks down his big jump and the rest of the draft class on @ESPNPlus ➡️ https://t.co/DQkNUxlawk pic.twitter.com/QG6zEIclAB
— ESPN (@espn) February 22, 2023
According to an expert in the industry, the potential future partnership between LeBron and Bronny James in 2024 has the potential to significantly boost the valuation of an NBA franchise.
The creative director of Pinnacle Advertising, Dorfman said, “The marketing implications are Brontastic. The franchise value of the team that lands them will skyrocket, their games will become must-see events that command huge ticket prices and prime-time viewing slots, and they could quickly turn into a playoff powerhouse.”
LeBron James asks his sons Bronny James & Bryce James if they will try to beat his points record pic.twitter.com/qBtlcdR3iQ
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) February 8, 2023
According to ESPN.com, Bronny James, a senior guard standing at 6-foot-3 and attending Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles, is currently forecasted to be drafted as the 10th pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2024 Draft. However, it is uncertain which team will ultimately select or sign him.
Dorfman added, “A franchise like Orlando could double their $1.85 billion value practically overnight.”
Forbes reported that the value of the Phoenix Suns rose from $1.7 billion in 2021 to $2.7 billion in 2022, indicating that a 50% increase in valuation within a year is feasible, as pointed out by Dorfman.
LeBron, who surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, signed a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension with the Lakers last August, which includes a player option for the 2024-25 season when he will turn 40.
Bronny James Official Mixtape pic.twitter.com/wDVObNMsHZ
— Home Team Hoops (@HomeTeamHoops) February 20, 2023
If Bronny is drafted or signed by a team, LeBron may choose to join that team. If he agrees to a veteran’s minimum or a comparably low-cost contract, the team would have the ability to sign other top players who are interested in playing alongside LeBron, as exemplified by Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, both of whom have expressed a desire to play with James during their careers.
“I need to be on the floor with my boy,” LeBron told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin last month. “I gotta be on the floor with Bronny.”
“Obviously, much depends on LeBron’s longevity and Bronny’s potential, but the possibilities are mind-boggling,” Dorfman added. “And LeBron could always transition to player-coach, guiding his son to superstardom.”
Are you excited to watch the father-son duo dominate the courts together at the NBA? Let us know in the comments.
