The Los Angeles Lakers have the 17th and 55th overall pick in this month’s NBA Draft. While there’s no indication who the team is looking to target with either of those picks, that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating on who they could draft.

One name that keeps coming is former USC guard Bronny James, son of Lakers star LeBron James. LeBron has made no secret of his desire to play with Bronny.

Now Bronny has been spotted working out for the Lakers:

Bronny James had a pre-draft workout with the Lakers earlier today 👀 (via @2Cool2Blog)

Naturally Lakers fans are reacting.

Street Clothes – “Bring your son to work day”

Mr. Unbiased – “Our savior. In all seriousness, he’s gonna be a real solid NBA player”

MintSniper – “Is this a work out or a dress rehearsal? This thing is done. They will draft him”

Zeebs – “*in Hagrids voice* “Your a Laker, bronny” Bronny: “I’m a.. what?””

Big Apple Threat – “Lebron really has a ton of power, this guy straight up willing his son not only into the same team but dressing for games”

D’Courtland Christian – “We all know it’s about to happen it’s just weird to see it happening”

Angry NYKFan – “Wow, he looks NBA ready to me! Lakers need to draft him ASAP”

James’ freshman season with the Trojans did not go how he planned, but his NBA Draft Combine performance redeemed him. Moreover, experts have re-ranked James’ spot amid his alleged pre-draft workout preferences.

In late May, James reportedly had at least 10 NBA teams reach out to him about pre-draft workouts. However, he was initially selective, focusing on the Lakers’ and Phoenix Suns’ invitations. As a result, this caused concern about his rankings in mock drafts. James’ agent, Rich Paul, has since indicated that the star guard has expanded interests.

LeBron James re-signing with Lakers to play with Bronny James?
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James looks at his wife Savannah James in the second quarter of game four of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
© David Richard-USA TODAY Sport
There’s been tons of speculation surrounding James and whether or not he will opt out of his deal, which is part of the reason why the Lakers ongoing search for a new head coach has drawn so much attention. Los Angeles is obviously hoping James will opt into his player option and not hit the open market.

Even though he is set to enter his age 40 season next year, James would have no shortage of suitors should he hit the open market.

James put together another strong season with the Lakers this season (25.7 PPG, 8.3 APG, 7.3 RPG, 54 FG%), but with the rest of the team not able to get over the hump in the postseason, he could ultimately decide to move on this offseason as he attempts to win another title or two before he retires. LA simply may not have the assets needed to build a winner around him in James’ eyes, which is another reason why this situation is so interesting.

Nothing is set in stone yet, but it seems like there’s a real chance that LeBron could hit the open market and find a new home this offseason. The Lakers want to do everything in their power to keep him, and that could even include drafting his son Bronny.