It looks like Bronny James won’t be making a Lakers debut just yet.
Earlier this month, his dad, Los Angeles star LeBron James, said that playing together was “not a priority” after he had previously stated an interest in doing so.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Friday’s episode of “The Woj Pod,” NBA teams no longer see Bronny as a ticket to securing LeBron.
Wojnarowski then shared that the Lakers were no longer considering Bronny as their first-round pick.
“The Lakers, to my understanding, they’re not considering Bronny James at No. 17,” Wojnarowski said. “There’s no reason to take him at 17. If you wanted to take him earlier than 55, you could move up some places, but you are just giving away value.”
Bronny is coming off a less-than-stand-out first season at USC after his freshman year was delayed due to heart surgery after suffering cardiac arrest during a USC practice over the summer.
He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games for the Trojans, making six starts.
LeBron has spoken of the possibility of playing with his son for quite some time, but Wojnarowski said in early May that the family’s new goal is to find the young James the right developmental program.
Bronny could still go back to college, as he retained his eligibility — and entered the transfer portal — when he declared for the NBA draft.
ESPN recently predicted the younger James will get picked by the Warriors at No. 52 overall in a mock draft.
“That’s the priority for them as a family. What’s best for Bronny James? If it ends up them together, that would be great, but I don’t get a sense it’s playing much of any role in LeBron James’ decision on next season,” Wojnarowski said on ESPN’s “NBA Today” last month.
LeBron still has the chance to opt out of his deal with the Lakers and has not shared definitive plans for what he plans to do next.
“I’ve seen, heard a lot of reports about my future. I said it last night and I’ll say it again,” James posted on X at the end of April.
“I do not know yet as I’m only thinking about spending time with my family & friends! When I know after speaking with the fam, my counsel as well as my representation about it then you guys will know.”