Lakers Manager Says Bronny James Has 'Worked for Everything That He's Gotten' After Being Drafted by Father's Team

"He's not a person that is ever taking short cuts," Rob Pelinka said

With the newly drafted Bronny James and his dad, LeBron James, set to make history in the upcoming season as the first father-son duo to actively play in the NBA together on the same team, the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers recently spoke out about their draft decision.

During a press conference following the second round of the NBA Draft on Thursday, June 27, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka discussed the acquisition of Bronny, 19. "He's worked for everything that he's gotten, including being selected today at No. 55," Pelinka said, according to USA Today.

Related: LeBron James and Son Bronny Will Play on Lakers Together After Draft: ‘Must-See TV,’ Says Magic Johnson

“He is a young man that works incredibly hard. And those are the qualities we look for in drafting players and adding to our developmental core with the Lakers,” Pelinka added. “In terms of his work ethic, I think we've all seen that lived out, too. He's not a person that is ever taking short cuts or expected or been entitled about basketball opportunities.”

Bronny was selected as the 55th overall draft pick after playing one shortened season at the University of Southern California.

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Bronny declared for the 2024 NBA Draft in April after playing one season with USC’s Trojans basketball team. When asked about his decision-making process in jumping from college division basketball to the professional league, he told NBA Central that it had all to do with following his heart.

“You know I always want to end up where I’m happy the most,” he said. “[My] mom has always told me you know, ‘take me where my heart wants me to be,’ and I just found happiness in what I’m doing right now, and I feel like that’s where I want myself to be at.” 

Related: Bronny James Remains Unselected After Night 1 of 2024 NBA Draft

Playing on the same team as his son in the NBA has been one of LeBron’s last remaining goals for his basketball career. "I need to be on the floor with my boy, I got to be on the floor with Bronny," LeBron, 39, said after the 2023 season, per ESPN. “Either in the same uniform or a matchup against him.”

On Thursday night, following the Lakers' decision, LeBron proudly celebrated the news on social media. "LEGACY!!!!!! 🤴🏾🤴🏾," he captioned a carousel of photos of him and Bronny on Instagram.

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