Lakers’ LeBron James sends message to Hawks’ fans after mock draft

The Atlanta Hawks are projected to select Lebron James Jr., better known as Bronny James, in the 2024 NBA Draft which elicited some interesting responses. James’ father, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James caught wind of the prediction.

Catching the elder James’ attention and getting the response the idea got would be enough to send fans into a frenzy anyway. But James was not the only one to see the idea and offer his take on it as Hawks star point guard Trae Young also took note of a graphic showing off his future potential teammates.

James’ response might stir up some feelings of angst among the Lakers faithful.

James Jr. has emerged from the shadows of his last name a bit in the last year, showcasing all of the abilities he’s boasted since the beginning more consistently and at higher levels.

He will attend the University of Southern California next season and is expected to make the jump to the NBA after that where ESPN draft analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo project the Hawks will select him with the No. 17 overall pick.

It’s unclear if the elder James is simply referring to the family attending games or joining his son.

James, 38, turns 40 years old early on in the 2023-24 campaign but is still performing at an incredibly high level. He averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists this past season, and, in the playoffs, he sprinkled in a 40-point showing as well as a 20-point, 20-rebound outing en route to averaging 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.1 steals.

James once said that his goal was to play alongside his son, referencing the legacy of Ken Griffey Sr and Ken Griffey Jr both suiting up for the Seattle Mariners in 1990.

But he backed off that stance since noting that it may not be the younger James’ preference.

“Whatever his journey, however his journey lays out, he’s going to do what’s best for him,” James told ESPN NBA reporter Dave McMenamin in May. “So, just because that’s my aspiration or my goal, doesn’t mean it’s his. And I’m absolutely OK with that.”

James is heading into the final year of a two-year, $99 million contract and has a $51 million player option for the 2024-25 season meaning he could become an unrestricted free agent and choose to play where James Jr. lands, assuming both Bronny and his new team are amenable, of course.

But the story does not stop there because Hawks star Trae Young also got ahold of James’ response.

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young reacts to LeBron James’ comments

Young is represented by the same Klutch Sports agency that represents James. The agency is also owned and operated by his childhood friend, Rich Paul with whom Young attended games during the Western Conference Finals.

That appearance created a buzz and Young later clarified that he was there to support his friend, Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., noting that he has friends on both teams.

“Talk soon,” Young replied under an outlet on Twitter sharing an image of James’ comments.

Young has been mired in trade rumors all offseason despite saying he wants to win a championship in Atlanta.

It has only slowed with recent reports that virtually every Hawk but him could be had in a trade.

James’ comments could create an entirely new storyline for a Hawks team that has already undergone a lot of changes since the end of the 2021-22 season. But it certainly wouldn’t be out of the norm for this group.