June 29, 2024, a day worthy of being forever recorded in the history of the NBA. The Lakers officially announced that Bronny James will wear the No. 9 jersey to start his NBA career. This not only marked the realization of Bronny's personal dream, but also wrote a legendary chapter in the history of the NBA for the first time that father and son were on the same team.
In the previous draft, the Lakers picked Bronny with the No. 55 pick, which is not only a recognition of his basketball talent, but also a tribute to the James family's legacy. At 19 years old, Bronny, who is 1.98 meters tall and plays as a shooting guard, has a physical fitness, basketball IQ and style of play that make people look like his father. In high school, he showed great scoring skills and leadership, leading the team to multiple championships. Now, he is about to shine on the NBA stage and continue his family's glory.
And Bronny's choice to wear the No. 9 jersey also has a special meaning in the history of the Lakers. A total of 15 players wore the Lakers' No. 9 jersey before, including Chinese player Sun Yue and All-Star point guard Rondo. These players have all left their mark on Lakers history and won honors for the team. Bronny's choice of this number undoubtedly carries the expectations of his father James and the blessings of Lakers fans.
At the same time, the Lakers' recruitment strategy has also attracted much attention. According to U.S. media reports, in order to have a full mid-range exception, the Lakers need James to take a $16 million salary cut next season. And James also expressed his willingness to take a salary cut for the team's recruitment. The news sparked a lot of discussion, after all, James is the core player of the Lakers, and his salary space and selection have a crucial impact on the team's recruitment plan.
For James's salary cut, well-known journalist Haynes explained. He said that if James were to take a pay cut, it would not be enough for the Lakers to sign one or two average players for minor tinkering. A star player or near-star level player must accept a full mid-range exception contract for James to make that decision. Because for James, the purpose of the salary cut is not only to strengthen the team, but also to be able to bring in players who can really improve the strength of the team.
Among the list of possible signings mentioned by Haynes, the names of Klay Thompson and James Harden stand out. As one of the Warriors' core players, Klay Thompson's projection and defensive intensity are top-notch. If he can join the Lakers and form a new Big Three with James and Thick Eyebrows, then the strength of the Lakers will be greatly improved. And James Harden, as an all-round guard, is also very good at scoring, playmaking, and defense. While Harden is currently playing for other teams, his offseason destination has also been the focus of fans' attention.
The Warriors are ready to lose Klay Thompson, and the Lakers, Clippers and Mavericks are fierce suitors for Klay. According to Warriors insiders, Klay's departure is almost a foregone conclusion, and the Lakers are one of his most likely next destinations. Klay's arrival will greatly improve the Lakers' outside firepower, while his defensive ability will also provide the team with more tactical options.
In addition to Klay, the Lakers have shown a keen interest in several other stars. For example, they've been keeping a close eye on Harden's trade progress. Harden is one of the best guards in the league today, and his arrival will undoubtedly greatly improve the overall strength of the Lakers. However, there are multiple interests involved in Harden's trade, and the Lakers will need to pay enough to get the superstar.
In addition, the Lakers also plan to look for suitable role players on the free market to fill the roster. They are looking to bring in some players with a lot of experience and quality to improve the depth and competitiveness of the squad. These players may include experienced veterans, young players with potential, and expert players who can help in specific positions.
With the addition of Bronny and the gradual advancement of the Lakers' recruitment plan, Lakers fans are full of anticipation for the future of the team. They believe that with James and Bushy Eyebrows, and Bronny and other great players, the Lakers are poised to rise again as one of the NBA's powerhouses in the coming years.
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