After being drafted by his father’s team, Lakers manager says Bronny James has “worked for everything that he’s got”

“I’ve never seen him take shortcuts,” Rob Pelinka remarked.

The general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers recently discussed their selection choice. Bronny James and his father, LeBron James, were just picked and will be making history in the upcoming season as the first father-son team to actively play in the NBA together.

On Thursday, June 27, after the NBA Draft’s second round, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka spoke with reporters about the team’s plans to acquire 19-year-old Bronny. Pelinka remarked, “He’s worked for everything that he’s gotten, including being selected today at No. 55,” US Today reported.

He is a young man who puts in a lot of work. And those are the characteristics we search for in players when selecting draft picks, according to Pelinka, who also added the Lakers to his developing core. I believe that we have all witnessed his work ethic in action. He never takes quick cuts, expects anything in return, or acts entitled to basketball opportunities.

Bronny played one truncated season at the University of Southern California before being chosen as the 55th overall draft pick.

Bronny played one season for the USC Trojans basketball team before declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft in April. When asked how he made the decision to go from Division I college basketball to the professional ranks, he told NBA Central that it was all about listening to his heart.

He remarked, “You know I always want to end up where I’m happy the most.” “Take me where my heart wants me to go,” my mother has always said to me. I’ve just discovered happiness in what I’m doing right now, and I think that’s where I want to be.”

One of LeBron’s final basketball career ambitions has been to play on the same team as his son in the NBA. LeBron, 39, reportedly stated after the 2023 season, “I need to be on the floor with my boy, I got to be on the floor with Bronny,” according to ESPN. “In a matchup against him or in the same uniform.”

LeBron joyfully greeted the news on social media on Thursday night after the Lakers’ decision. He wrote, “LEGACY!!!!!! 🤴🏾🤴🏾,” as the description for a slideshow of his and Bronny’s Instagram pictures.