For 52 years, the tradition of the Drew League has become an anticipated event in Los Angeles. Its appeal grew especially during the 2011 NBA lockout. Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and other goliath stars stepped on the streets. It’s an event that celebrates basketball in its purest form. The pros blend in with the regulars. In recent years, NBA players have started to regularly attend these games again.

It’s not necessary that they play. But some do. The Akron Hammer was a big draw in 2022, returning after 11 years since his first appearance. Now that the Drew League summer has started again, the excitement is back on track. Fans are wondering, ‘Which is the next surprise appearance?’. Well, a James is set to take the floor.

At least Drew League commissioner Dino Smiley has heard rumbles of Bronny James possibly suiting up along with some other young studs.

“I’ve heard Bronny [James], but nothing clear on that yet. I heard Bronny might play. But nothing concrete. Earlier in the summer, there was talk about Dalton Knecht and Cam Christie playing,” he said about the possibility.

The Lakers’ sophomore is coming off a successful Summer League stint. Oftentimes leading the Lakers, he averaged 11.5 points, 2.7 assists, and a steal in six games. His development from a nervous rookie to a well-prepared second-year guard was evident. The nerves didn’t seem to affect him as Bronny James was particularly better in Las Vegas.

Smiley is excited to see how the 20-year-old will perform if he does appear at the Drew League. He’s also hopeful to see a ‘surprise’. “I think it would great. It would be interesting to see how he matches up with these guys. It would be interesting to see. Since his dad played a couple of times down here, who knows, maybe he’ll pop up there with him this weekend,” he told RG.

Dalton Knecht is coming off a poor showing in the Summer League. The Drew could prove to be a confidence booster for the star rookie who is potentially on the chopping block. But before him, there could be some movement with Bronny James.

LeBron James and the Mavericks are destined for the future?

Rich Paul’s statement about James opting in left some doubts. It clearly translates that the Lakers and his timelines don’t match. So with him opting in, he becomes a free agent next season. In the case a trade takes place, he gets to decide whether he wants the move or not with a no-trade clause being a part of his contract. But before making this decision, James considered a reunion.

According to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, the Akro Hammer was tempted by the prospect of possibly joining the Dallas Mavericks. It would reunite him with his former teammates Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Additionally, Flagg’s arrival has put the Mavericks in contention talks with their depth. James’ addition, which could likely involve Bronny James moving could have given them a major boost towards title aspirations.

But there was one reason that kept LeBron James from becoming a free agent to join the Mavs.

“Obviously, James wasn’t willing to leave $52 million on the table to take a nontaxpayer MLE or something similar from the Mavericks or another team. A buyout seems similarly unlikely. Additionally, the tax aprons on both sides will make any in-season transaction with a contender-class team challenging,” Hollinger wrote.

It seems a trade this season is unlikely. But the Mavericks aren’t going to lose their title window next season. It remains a tempting destination for LeBron James to join in his pursuit of a fifth championship. The catch remains Bronny James. The Lakers’ development system has helped him flourish in the Summer League. If he can uphold that benchmark during the season, the 20-year-old could potentiall be a regular, especially with the chance to absorb knowledge from Marcus Smart.

If that does happen, would he too move to Dallas with his father?