LOS ANGELES -- The Lakers used the 55th pick in the NBA draft Thursday to selecte USC freshman guard Bronny James, making him the 66th Trojan to be drafted.
James will join his father, LeBron James, on the Lakers and become the first father-son duo to play in the NBA simultaneously.
James' path to the court for the USC Trojans was a windy road, missing the season's first quarter. James suffered a cardiac arrest attack during a summer workout last year at Galen Center, resulting in the freshman being rushed to the hospital. The life-threatening ailment sidelined James from the season's first eight games.
Entering USC, the 6-foot-1 James was ranked the No. 20 prospect as a shooting guard, according to ESPN100, and earned 2023 McDonald's All-American honors.
James’ ability to get on a basketball court this season was impressive for the freshman, returning only five months after heart attack. James played in 25 games (started six) for the Trojans.
James averaged 19.1 minutes, 4.8 points, 2.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 36% from the field.
The Lakers must be patient with James, as he remains a raw prospect heading into the league. With his smaller frame and mediocre playmaking ability, James needed help to make an impact on the Trojans.
Labeled as a shooting guard at USC, the freshman posted an inconsistent 26% from 3-point range. James will earn a Lakers roster spot if he improves his three-point shooting, filling a hole the team desperately needs. Last season, the Lakers shot 37.7% from three-point range but lacked real specialists from beyond the arc.
However, James possesses great athleticism and a high basketball IQ, which are tangible qualities that the Lakers can utilize. James’s quality on-ball defense is spearheaded by his quick hands and instincts, allowing the freshman to think ahead of his opponents.
Pairing the defensive ability with his athleticism, James flashed his vertical blocking ability multiple times this season.
The Lakers' newest draft additions, Tennesse guard Dalton Knecht and James, will debut for the Lakers in a pre-Summer League event at San Francisco's at Chase Center on July 6-7.