Will Bronny James go undrafted in 2024 NBA Draft? Why mock drafts have LeBron's son ranked so low

Will Bronny James go undrafted in 2024 NBA Draft? Why mock drafts have LeBron's son ranked so low

All eyes will be on Bronny James at the 2024 NBA Draft, but fans may not hear his name called at the Barclays Center.

James has largely dominated draft discussions leading up to the two-day event thanks to his name. There's some intrigue to his stock given he's LeBron James' son, but he was an underwhelming prospect in college, some of which had to do with factors out of his control.

The 19-year-old spent one season with USC, averaging 4.8 points, 2.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 19.4 minutes per game. His minutes were limited after he suffered cardiac arrest in a USC preseason workout due to a congenital heart defect. He debuted on Dec. 10 against Long Beach State.

Despite his disappointing season, James kept his name in the 2024 NBA Draft and has been linked to a few teams, notably the Lakers.

There's some intrigue to James' prospect as a defender, but most of his hype seems to hover around his genetics and relation to one of the greatest players in NBA history.

As a result, some teams may not be willing to use a draft pick on James, putting his status in question.

MORE: Ranking top 60 prospects in 2024 NBA Draft

Will Bronny James go undrafted at 2024 NBA Draft?

Despite his name and popularity, James may not be selected in the 2024 NBA Draft.

The excitement around James is heavily tied to his father and whether there's some untapped potential in the 19-year-old.

Some scouts believe James played out of position at USC in addition to suffering cardiac arrest, both of which hindered his development. He kept his name in the draft, foregoing his college eligibility after a solid showing at the NBA Combine.

James certainly benefits from being in a weaker draft class than normal, drawing comparison to the 2013 NBA Draft. Teams may be willing to take a flier on the 19-year-old with the possibility of signing his father to a short-term deal as well.

That said, James has worked out for two teams thus far: the Lakers and Suns. The Suns own the No. 22 pick, and the Lakers have picks Nos. 17 and 55.

There are other teams interested, but Rich Paul, James' agent, said it's "by design" that James has only worked out for two teams. Paul mentioned that the Mavericks, Timberwolves and Raptors have also expressed interest in James.

MORE: The best landing spots for Bronny James

Bronny James NBA Draft expert mock drafts

James has bounced around mock drafts over the past year. At one point, the 6-1 guard was seen as a potential first-rounder, but now mostly he's seen as a second-rounder at best.

Here's where some of the expert mock drafts have him going:

Sporting News: Los Angeles Lakers (No. 55)

Kyle Irving has James landing with the Lakers at No. 55. The two sides have been connected for months now, and this would complete the saga. Los Angeles would have the first father-son duo in NBA history.

ESPN: Los Angeles Lakers (No. 55)

Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo have the Lakers selecting James at No. 55. It's the consensus landing spot for the 19-year-old at this point.

Bleacher Report: Los Angeles Lakers (No. 55)

Jonathan Wasserman said the Lakers could "feel pressure to select him, considering it's essentially a risk-free pick that late."

The Ringer: Los Angeles Lakers (No. 55)

Kevin O'Connor said it feels "inevitable" that the Lakers draft James and wonders if they go as far as taking him in the first round.

Yahoo Sports: Los Angeles Lakers (No. 55)

Krysten Peek has James going to the Lakers, continuing a trend among the top NBA mock drafts.

USA Today/College Sports Wire: Los Angeles Lakers (No. 55)

Andy Patton also has James landing with the Lakers, pairing the father-and-son duo.

Bronny James stats