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“Cheaters”: Lakers NBA Draft Pick News Turns Nightmare for Fans Courtesy of Bronny James & LeBron Rumors

Published 04/22/2024, 7:20 PM EDT

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The 2024 NBA draft is heading closer as we go deeper into this year’s playoffs. Although the sequence of the lottery picks will be determined on May 12, the league broke six ties among fifteen competing teams earlier today. It provides clarity on the upcoming picks ahead of the draft scheduled on June 26 and 27. Interestingly, these separated ties could also have determined the future of LeBron James in LA as rumors of him teaming up with his son Bronny James caught fire again.

According to the tiebreaker’s results, the Los Angeles Lakers have secured the 17th overall pick in this year’s draft. Earlier, they were tied with the Philadelphia 76ers, who received the 16th pick in the draft. Now, the 17th pick may lead Rob Pelinka and Co. to draft Bronny to the Lakers to keep LeBron in LA for the final stretch of his career. However, the New Orleans Pelicans can swoop in and take the Lakers’ 17th pick if they wish to. But they must make that decision before June 1.

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If New Orleans chooses to let go of LA’s pick this year, they will receive their first-round pick in the 2025 draft. And it is possible the Pelicans might rather go with the second option, considering the lack of star power in this year’s draft class. That means we might see Bronny wearing Purple and Gold before the start of next season. His father is yet to make a decision on his new contract, and drafting Bronny might motivate him to stay in LA and pursue another Championship. For now, LeBron has a $51.4 million player option for the upcoming season.

The Lakers fanbase expresses a pushback, criticizing the latest Bronny and LeBron James development

The rumors of the Lakers potentially drafting Bronny are not sitting well with the NBA World. After the news of the Lakers getting the 17th pick broke out, fans took to social media to express their disbelief. One fan even accused the Lakers of being “Cheaters” to get the high draft pick. 

Another Lakers supporter requested Rob Pelinka to trade the 17th pick for a better player.

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This netizen claimed Bronny would not get drafted as high as 17. If that is the case, he believes the 2024 draft will be a “truly horrible” one.

One fan from the Laker Nation clearly stated that they do not want Bronny James in LA.

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One supporter laughed at the possibility of Bronny getting drafted by the Lakers and believed they would rather “close the Lakers arena” than sign the USC star.

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Well, this latest revelation clearly rattles the fans, and it’s safe to say that many of them do not like it. From suggesting an alternative measure to criticizing the Lakers, everyone’s put on their punditry cap. Bronny James was initially projected to go undrafted this year in ESPN’s mock draft. He had an underwhelming freshman season at USC, averaging only 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.

But as per the day-to-day speculations, the Lakers could have no option but to draft him if they want to keep LeBron. Do you believe the Lakers should select Bronny with their 17th pick in the 2024 draft?

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Written by:

Rohan Bhaunt

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Rohan Singh Bhaunt, an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports, boasts a background as a divisional basketball player and an NBA enthusiast spanning over a decade. His extensive knowledge of the sport enables him to intricately explore its nuances, presenting a fresh outlook. Rohan's dive into the NBA newsdesk at ES commenced with witnessing LeBron James secure his inaugural championship in Miami.
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Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz