Two years ago LeBron James strong-armed the Los Angeles Lakers to draft Bronny James in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Now as a fresh member of the Philadelphia 76ers, LeBron could look to do the exact same thing with his second son, Bryce James.
To be fair, drafting Bronny in the second round didn't dovetail the Lakers in any way. Second-round picks are crapshoots as it is and there isn't any notable names behind Bronny from that draft that the Lakers missed out on. NBA teams give away second-round picks like they are candy, so using one to make the team's superstar happy isn't a bad philosophy.
That is the exact same logic the 76ers may take in the 2027 NBA Draft next year. While he didn't play as a freshman, Bryce James could theoretically declare for the 2027 draft, putting the Sixers in the exact same situation the Lakers were in last year.
And quite frankly, the 76ers have the resources to make LeBron happy. It very well could have been a swinging factor in LeBron's decision.
Bryce James to the 76ers feels like a real possibility
There are two important factors to consider in this hypothetical Bryce James scenario: LeBron's contract length and the number of second-round picks the 76ers have in the upcoming 2027 NBA Draft.
LeBron signed a two-year deal with a player option for the second season. This not only gives him leverage to become a free agent again if he so chooses, but it also gives him a guarantee to play two more seasons if he deems fit.
Now, why would LeBron sign a two-year deal when he himself admitted that he was thinking about retirement after the end of the 2025-26 season? In theory, someone who was actually thinking about retiring would take it year by year, not sign a two-year deal.
LeBron has the ability to take it year-by-year, but that baked-in insurance of a second season allows him to return to accomplish the only thing he hasn't accomplished in the NBA: play with his second son.
Now, LeBron has said in the past that he is not waiting for Bryce and that they have their own timelines. That shouldn't end the conversation altogether, as LeBron previously walked back playing with Bronny before it ultimately happened.
It's also important to note that the 76ers currently have three picks in the second round of the 2027 NBA Draft. If there was any team in the league that could overdraft a player in the second round it's a team with three second-round picks.
Meanwhile, other potential suitors did not have the same flexibility. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors don't have second-round picks in 2027. Is it just a coincidence that the team LeBron signed with has the means to draft Bryce in a year? Perhaps not.
Look, with LeBron, we never fully know what his motivations are. And to his credit, he said this was a pure basketball decision as it puts him in the best position to win a championship. While that may be true, it's impossible to ignore the tea leaves that LeBron may be setting his second son up to get an NBA contract as well.
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