Kofi Inkoom
In 2024, LeBron James might potentially join the Boston Celtics, who were the Eastern Conference finalists in 2023.
As the only active NBA player from the 2003 draft class, LeBron, currently with the Los Angeles Lakers, is expected to follow in the footsteps of Shaquille O’Neal and conclude his career with the Boston Celtics.
Basketball greats like Pete Maravich, Bill Walton, and Stephon Marbury have all chosen to wrap up their playing careers as members of the Boston Celtics. LeBron James could be the next in line to do so.
The Boston Celtics presently have control over two first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, which are projected to fall in the early to late twenties.
One of these picks might even be used to select Bronny James, the eldest son of the four-time NBA champion, LeBron James.
In sports illustrated’s Draft Digest most recent mock draft on August 9th, they predicted that Bronny James would potentially be selected as the 24th pick.
This projection comes despite the 18-year-old experiencing a cardiac arrest during a University of Southern California basketball practice.
The idea of drafting Bronny James holds the potential to open doors for the Boston Celtics to sign his father, a future Hall-of-Famer.
LeBron James has previously expressed his desire to play alongside his son before concluding his own playing career.
In 2022, LeBron James expressed to Jason Lloyd of The Athletic that he intends to conclude his basketball career by playing alongside his son.
He emphasized that wherever Bronny is playing, that’s where he wants to be, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes for this one-year opportunity, emphasizing that it’s not about the financial aspect at that stage.
LeBron James will have the opportunity to explore free agency in the summer of 2024, at which point he’ll be 39 years old. If this hypothetical signing were to occur, the Boston Celtics’ anticipated starting lineup would consist of Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis.
Given his career trajectory, it’s reasonable to expect that James could maintain averages of over 20 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds per game.
While James’ availability might be limited due to his age, assuming he’s willing to take a substantial pay cut, his potential contribution should be enticing to the Celtics.
Boston could remain a competitive team, with a primary focus on Tatum and Brown, while allowing James to assume a role as the third scoring option.
Taking into account James’ projected draft position and the fact that the Celtics have two draft picks in that range, Boston appears to be a likely destination for the 6-foot-3 guard.
Other teams, particularly those without multiple first-round draft picks, may approach such a signing more cautiously, especially considering James’ recent health scare.