Plaschke: Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny James is a costly move toward chaos

Bronny James sits on the bench during a game between USC and Eastern Washington in November. Bronny ultimately stands to pay the steepest price with the Lakers’ decision to draft him on Thursday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

It’s historical, it’s heartwarming, it’s the brightest of headlines for a franchise desperately in need of some good news.

But it’s not very smart. And, for two of the main people involved, it’s not very fair.

Thus a wet blanket should be tossed over the Lakers’ engineering of the most celebrated 55th overall pick in NBA draft history.

Yeah, they did it, of course they did it, they drafted an untested 19-year-old kid named Bronny James Thursday to unite him with his father LeBron in becoming the NBA’s first father-son duo.

They did it even though Bronny was ignored by virtually every other NBA team with a chance to draft him.

They did it even though Bronny struggled last season for USC in his return from a cardiac arrest episode that cost him five months.

Read more: NBA history: Lakers draft Bronny James, who will join father LeBron

They did it even though most experts agreed that his game — five points, three rebounds and two assists per appearance for the Trojans — could have used at least another year of college tutoring.

They did it seemingly for the reason they do a lot of things — to keep their superstar happy. LeBron had professed a desire to play with his son, LeBron can opt out of his contract this summer, they probably figured LeBron needed to be kept satisfied at all costs.

But this is seemingly a high price to pay.

Granted, the greatest fee will not come from the Lakers, who, let’s face it, weren’t going to get a star with the 55th pick anyway. This was a no-lose selection that, personnel-wise, cost them nothing.

The steepest cost will also not be affixed to LeBron, who will get to make history and play with his son and where’s the downside in that?

No, the highest price here will be exacted from, sadly, Bronny himself.

All the poetic waxing by commentators about the beauty of a father-son pairing failed to look at it from what could be the son’s point…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/plaschke-lakers-decision-draft-bronny-025632643.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-06-28 02:56:32

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