Lakers’ Regret in Drafting Bronny James Grows as Passed-On Prospects Shine Elsewhere

The Los Angeles Lakers knew exactly what they were doing when they drafted Bronny James with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft — and it had very little to do with basketball.

That pick was about family, continuity, and keeping LeBron James comfortable, just as Milwaukee did by employing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s brothers. And at the time, it was a reasonable gamble: late-second-rounders rarely turn into rotation players, so the downside was minimal.

But the NBA changes fast.

And everything that made the Bronny pick understandable is rapidly fading.

🔄 The Lakers aren’t building around LeBron anymore

The franchise has shifted its foundation — decisively — toward Luka Doncic, the MVP frontrunner who now shapes every major roster decision in Los Angeles.

Over the summer:

• The Lakers did not give LeBron the max extension he sought
• They consulted Doncic, not LeBron, on personnel
• They restructured their offensive identity around their new superstar

In that new reality, spending a draft pick and roster spot on Bronny James suddenly looks less like a strategic move… and more like yesterday’s plan lingering into today’s priorities.

Even if Bronny develops into a serviceable defender or energy guard, the reason he was drafted has lost its value. And as that happens, the pressure from the outside grows louder — especially because the Lakers passed on players who are already thriving elsewhere.

📈 The undrafted 2024 class is exploding — and making the Lakers look worse

This is the twist no one saw coming:

The 2024 undrafted class might go down as one of the strongest in recent memory.

Suddenly, every team that took a swing after Bronny looks smart. And the Lakers look like they whiffed.

🛡️ Daniss Jenkins — the Pistons’ defensive engine

Detroit sits atop the East with the NBA’s No. 2 defense, and undrafted guard Daniss Jenkins is a huge part of it.

He's pressuring ball-handlers, scoring efficiently, and filling minutes the Lakers desperately wish they had in their guard rotation.

🎯 Spencer Jones — Denver’s breakout shooter

With the Nuggets battling injuries, Spencer Jones has stepped into a major role.

He’s shooting lights out — including an 8-for-12 stretch from deep, scoring 44 points in two games — while rebounding and defending with authority.

⚡ David Jones Garcia — San Antonio’s spark plug

When injuries hit the Spurs’ backcourt, they turned to David Jones Garcia, who immediately delivered:

• 12 points
• 6 assists
• 5 rebounds
• 3 steals
• +25 in just 18 minutes

His burst and creativity would be invaluable in the Lakers’ thin bench unit.

🔥 Justin Edwards — dependable in Philly

The 76ers have leaned on Justin Edwards, a 6’7” wing who’s logged real rotation minutes and posted multiple 20-point outings when called upon.

And the list goes on:

• Nae’Qwon Tomlin — promising flashes in Cleveland
• Branden Carlson — reliable backup big
• Jamison Battle — legitimate 3-and-D wing
• Keshad Johnson — already playing meaningful minutes in Miami

In a draft class where late gems are everywhere, the Lakers chose the sentimental option — and it’s aging poorly.

🧨 Bronny wasn’t a failure — but the decision was still costly

To be fair, Bronny James was never likely to fail — because his expectations were never high. And he has shown encouraging flashes in limited minutes.

But the issue isn’t Bronny.

It’s opportunity cost.

With the Lakers shifting away from a LeBron-centric vision, giving a roster spot to a developmental nepotism pick is harder to justify — especially when the players they passed on are producing today.

In a league defined by depth and two-way talent, the Lakers’ margin for error is slim. And one small miss?

Still a miss.

🏁 The regret will only intensify

Unless Bronny unexpectedly becomes a rotation guard — a longshot but not impossible — the Lakers will continue to watch other teams benefit from the exact type of young, inexpensive talent they desperately need.

What was once a harmless pick now looks like a decision that cost them real contributors.

And as the undrafted class continues its rise, the Lakers’ regret is only going to grow.