NBA Draft 2024 live updates (2024)

The 2024 NBA Draft is in the books, and the big father/son union is happening. The Lakers have picked Bronny James at No. 55, where he'll likely pair with his father.

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John Hollinger, Sam Vecenie and more

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Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today

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Mike Vorkunov·Staff Writer, NBA and Basketball Business writer

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Bronny James, son of LeBron, joins father with Lakers

NEW YORK — Years of speculation have finally ended. Bronny James, the eldest son of Lakers star LeBron James, indeed has a home in the NBA, on his father’s team.

Bronny James, one of the most highly scrutinized amateur basketball players of the last decade, was taken 55th overall Thursday night in the NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. The selection capped 12 long months of guessing about James’ place in the game, which included questions about whether he could compete professionally following a cardiac arrest.

“My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself, and, of course, get to the NBA,” James said at the NBA Draft Combine in May.

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Full second-round results

Full first-round results

GO FURTHERBronny James selected by Lakers with No. 55 pick in NBA Draft, joins father’s team
June 27, 2024 at 6:57 PM EDTJovan Buha·Senior Writer, Lakers

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Rob Pelinka on how the Lakers will handle the additional media attention with LeBron James and Bronny James Jr. potentially playing together: "The biggest moment in sports happened with the Lakers. And that's how we're built. And we're excited to see this story unfold."

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June 27, 2024 at 6:42 PM EDTMark Cooper·Staff Editor, News

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Rob Pelinka's news conference after drafting Bronny James

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka on the possibility of LeBron James and Bronny playing together: "That feels like something that could be magical. We know and have to respect that LeBron has a decision about his opt-out, and I'm sure he and his family and his agent will deliberate what they're going to do there and of course, he has freedom to decide whatever's best for him and his family. But if it worked out that he was on our team next season, NBA history could be made and NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform."

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The Athletic NBA Staff

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NBA Draft 2024: Full second round results

31. Toronto Raptors: Jonathan Mogbo | 6-6 forward/center | San Francisco

32. Utah Jazz: Kyle Filipowski | 6-11 forward/center | Duke

33. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Smith | 6-9 forward/center | G League Ignite

34. New York Knicks: Tyler Kolek | 6-1 guard | Marquette

35. Indiana Pacers (from Spurs): Johnny Furphy | 6-8 wing | Kansas

36. San Antonio Spurs (from Pacers): Juan Núñez | 6-4 guard | Ratiopharm Ulm

37. Detroit Pistons (from Timberwolves): Bobi Klintman | 6-9 forward | Cairns Taipans

38. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Knicks): Ajay Mitchell | 6-3 guard | UC-Santa Barbara

39. Memphis Grizzlies: Jaylen Wells | 6-7 wing | Washington State

40. Phoenix Suns (from Knicks via Thunder): Oso Ighodaro | 6-10 center | Marquette

41. Philadelphia 76ers: Adem Bona | 6-8 center | UCLA

42. Charlotte Hornets: K.J. Simpson | 6-0 guard | Colorado

43. Atlanta Hawks (from Heat): Nikola Djurišić | 6-7 wing | Mega

44. Miami Heat (from Hawks via Rockets): Pelle Larsson | 6-5 wing | Arizona

45. Toronto Raptors (from Kings): Jamal Shead | 6-0 guard | Houston

46. LA Clippers: Cam Christie | 6-5 wing | Minnesota

47. New Orleans Pelicans (from Magic): Antonio Reeves | 6-5 wing | Kentucky

48. San Antonio Spurs: Harrison Ingram | 6-5 wing | North Carolina

49. Indiana Pacers: Tristen Newton | 6-3 guard | Connecticut

50. Indiana Pacers: Enrique Freeman | 6-7 forward | Akron

51. Dallas Mavericks (from Knicks via Suns, Wizards): Melvin Ajinca | 6-7 wing | Saint-Quentin

52. Golden State Warriors (from Thunder via Blazers, Warriors): Quinten Post | 7-0 center | Boston College

53. Memphis Grizzlies (from Timberwolves via Pistons): Cam Spencer | 6-3 guard | Connecticut

54. Boston Celtics: Anton Watson | 6-8 wing | Gonzaga

55. Los Angeles Lakers: Bronny James | 6-2 guard | USC

56. New York Knicks (from Suns): Kevin McCullar Jr. | 6-5 wing | Kansas

57. Toronto Raptors (from Grizzlies via Timberwolves): Ulrich Chomche | 7-0 center | NBA Africa Academy

58. New York Knicks (from Mavericks): Ariel Hukporti | 6-11 center | Melbourne United

June 27, 2024 at 6:34 PM EDTLaw Murray·Staff Writer, Clippers

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Per team source to The Athletic

LA Clippers will sign SF Trentyn Flowers as an undrafted free agent.

June 27, 2024 at 6:34 PM EDTJohn Hollinger·Senior Writer, NBA

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And now, the after-party: Teams will be working the phones with undrafted players for 2-ways and summer league commitments. Under the old format, FO staffers were up until the wee hours of the morning; the new, humane draft schedule should let them finish at a respectable hour.

June 27, 2024 at 6:30 PM EDTShams Charania·Senior Insider, NBA

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Undrafted Clemson big man PJ Hall has agreed to a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets, per his agent, Matt Bollero. Hall had significant second-round interest, but chose Denver, which didn’t have a second, as his best situation.

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June 27, 2024 at 6:30 PM EDTEric Koreen·Staff Writer, Raptors

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To John Hollinger's point, it is no surprise that Masai Ujiri wanted to take the first-ever pick from the NBA Academy in Africa. Ujiri is from Nigeria and has been helping Africa through Basketball Without Borders and his own charity, Giants of Africa, for two decades.

Ujiri has been monitoring the process of the Basketball Africa League closely. Ulrich Camoche played just three games in the BAL and is the youngest player in the draft. He doesn't turn 19 until December.

June 27, 2024 at 6:29 PM EDTJohn Hollinger·Senior Writer, NBA

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The final pick is a pure stash, as the Knicks traded all the way down to the last pick in the draft and then selected German big man Ariel Hukporti. Because two picks in the second round were forfeited, the 2024 NBA Draft is now over.

June 27, 2024 at 6:29 PM EDTJohn Hollinger·Senior Writer, NBA

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What Ulrich Chomche brings to Toronto

Toronto jumps into the 57th pick to select Ulrich Chomche, a serious developmental prospect straight out of the NBA Academy in Africa. I don't want to say "two years away from being two years away," but Chomche is almost certain to be a multi-year 2-way while he refines his game in the G League.

June 27, 2024 at 6:28 PM EDTSam Vecenie·Senior Writer, NBA Draft

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Round 2, No. 58: New York Knicks draft Ariel Hukporti

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(Photo: Kelly Defina / Getty Images)

The New York Knicks selected 22-year-old Melbourne United center Ariel Hukporti with the 58th and final pick.

The Athletic NBA Draft analyst Sam Vecenie on Hukporti: Ariel Hukporti is not going to be for everyone, but I can see certain organizations being interested. It all depends on how you value bigs who perform the nonnegotiable aspects of being a big at a high level versus how you value upside to do more. Hukporti is in the former camp. He’s an awesome rebounder and good rim protector, and I think he can play in drop coverage in the NBA. He plays incredibly hard, and he’s willing to be physical. There’s no ego to his game. But I don’t see a ton of value beyond that. Offense must be simple for him with transition play, screening, rim-running, offensive rebounding and dunking. I don’t see much potential to shoot or score outside of 10 feet. He gets far too sped up in terms of processing on offense to be a high-level passer.

However, I do like Hukporti more than recent international second-round center picks Tristan Vukčević (42nd to Washington in 2023), Khalifa Diop (39th to Cleveland in 2022), Karlo Matković (52nd in 2022) and Marko Simonovic (44th in 2020). Hukporti is a potential backup center if he can just improve his processing ability, overall precision and general skill level a tad on offense.

June 27, 2024 at 6:26 PM EDTSam Vecenie·Senior Writer, NBA Draft

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Round 2, No. 57: Toronto Raptors draft Ulrich Chomche

The Toronto Raptors selected NBA Academy Africa center Ulrich Chomche with the No. 57 pick.

Chomche was ranked No. 82 in The Athletic's Sam Vecenie's top 100.

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June 27, 2024 at 6:24 PM EDTJovan Buha·Senior Writer, Lakers

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(Meg Oliphant / Getty Images)

In arguably the least surprising selection of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Lakers drafted Bronny James Jr., the son of Lakers superstar of LeBron James. It’s a monumental moment that marks the first time a father-son duo have been active NBA players — and potentially the first time a father-son duo has been teammates, depending on what happens with LeBron this summer. Bronny, 19, is a 6-foot-2 3-and-D guard who will likely spend most of next season in the G League. After suffering a cardiac arrest last summer, it’s a miracle Bronny was able to play basketball again, let alone continue pursuing his dream of playing in the NBA. He has a ways to go as a prospect, but the Lakers are revamping their player development staff and strategy, and are confident they can maximize his potential.

In theory, this selection should solidify LeBron’s return to the Lakers, whether in the form of him optioning into his $51.4 million contract or opting out and re-signing. At the same time, LeBron and his agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul — who is also Bronny’s agent — have denied that the two are a package deal. Only time will tell the truth. Regardless, this is a historic moment and another example of the Lakers going above and beyond to cater to their superstars, which is a considerable point of pride for the organization.

June 27, 2024 at 6:20 PM EDTAnthony Slater·Senior Writer, Warriors

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The Warriors traded cash to reacquire the 52nd pick and drafted Boston College center Quinten Post, per league source. That officially hard caps the Warriors at the second apron. They are now unable to go over it this season, which was the plan regardless, but it is notable as they enter the weekend with dreams of a big trade and with some Chris Paul and Klay Thompson business to figure out.

June 27, 2024 at 6:19 PM EDTJohn Hollinger·Senior Writer, NBA

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What Kevin McCullar brings to the New York Knicks

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(Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

I wasn't sure McCullar would get drafted because of all the concerns about his myriad injuries, on top of the fact that he's a poor shooter and one of the oldest players in the draft. His basketball IQ and defense at least make him interesting on a 2-way, although it's possible that New York's ongoing tax apron dance pushes him into a roster contract for the rookie minimum.

June 27, 2024 at 6:15 PM EDTSam Vecenie·Senior Writer, NBA Draft

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Round 2, No. 56: New York Knicks draft Kevin McCullar Jr.

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(Photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

The New York Knicks selected 21-year-old Kansas wing Kevin McCullar Jr. with the No. 56 pick.

The Athletic NBA Draft analyst Sam Vecenie on McCullar: It comes down to the shot. If defenders must play Kevin McCullar honestly from distance, the rest of his game as a smart drive-and-kick player and intelligent cutter opens up enough to play a complementary role on offense. If the shot isn’t there, it’s hard to imagine his drives being impactful, as teams sagged off him as he spaced behind the 3-point line. That would also impact his high-IQ cutting ability if someone is there waiting for him instead of honoring the threat of his jumper. McCullar will defend in any scheme. He's an impact guy who can play physical, switchable defense and be available to scramble around. He also makes winning plays and is willing to get on the ground for loose balls to create extra possessions.

It’s simple: If you think the jumper will improve and McCullar will stay healthy, it’s reasonable to have a first-round grade on him. Unfortunately, he’s done neither of those things throughout a significant sample of his collegiate career, so I couldn’t get to that level.

June 27, 2024 at 6:14 PM EDTJohn Hollinger·Senior Writer, NBA

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Shocker of shockers! Bronny James is going to the Lakers! Who could have foreseen such a thing? LeBron James gets to be on the same team as his son, which would be the first time in NBA history this has happened, and the Lakers presumably eliminate any residual risk of James walking as a free agent his summer.

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June 27, 2024 at 6:10 PM EDTJohn Hollinger·Senior Writer, NBA

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What Anton Watson brings to Boston

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(Mike Mulholland / Getty Images)

I didn't expect Watson to get drafted, but this is a defensible late pick because he's a good defender who can play the 4. Watson could potentially soak up some of the minutes filled by Oshae Brissett this season, as the latter opted out of his deal for the coming season to become a free agent.

June 27, 2024 at 6:08 PM EDTSam Vecenie·Senior Writer, NBA Draft

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Round 2, No. 55: Los Angeles Lakers draft Bronny James

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The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James, the eldest son of Lakers star LeBron James, with the No. 55 pick.

The Athletic NBA Draft analyst Sam Vecenie on James: We need to be upfront about this: We would not be talking about James as an NBA prospect if not for his father. He is nowhere near ready for the NBA. He’s at least two years away if every single thing goes right with his development in the next couple of seasons. For him to get the development he needs on the ball and to iron out his consistency as a shooter, he must spend the next two years in the G League. To me, that’s not a worthwhile investment given that his upside is something in the ballpark of a rotational 3-and-D guard. That upside is littered with potential landmines.

I couldn’t rank him outside of the top 75 on my board because he’s young, athletic and clearly has excellent basketball IQ in addition to a great motor on the defensive end at 19. If this goes right, you can see an outcome that is similar to Devin Carter. Still, he is outside of the range of players whom I have two-way grades on in this class. I have an Exhibit 10 grade on Bronny and think he would have been much better served heading back to school to get the reps he needs offensively.

GO FURTHERBronny James selected by Lakers with No. 55 pick in NBA Draft, joins father’s team
June 27, 2024 at 6:07 PM EDTMark Cooper·Staff Editor, News

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Round 2, No. 54: Boston Celtics draft Anton Watson

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(Photo: Chris Gardner / Getty Images)

The Boston Celtics selected 23-year-old Gonzaga wing Anton Watson with the No. 54 pick.

The Athletic NBA Draft analyst Sam Vecenie on Watson: Anton Watson is one of my sneaky favorites in this class, and I have a two-way grade on him. I think he can defend within an NBA scheme right away and has potential to add a lot of value on that end of the court if his offense improves enough to keep him on the floor. He’s switchable and long, plus has great strength and good hip flexibility to stay on-balance in space. His help defense is sharp, and he is a good scramble defender. Offensively, I don’t love his skill package, even if he maintains his ability to cut and finish around the rim. Shooting is the key for me. There are some signs of Watson becoming a capable shooter, as he made 41 percent on limited attempts this year. But it’s hard to buy into his jumper becoming a consistent NBA weapon given that he turns 24 this year and has always been a low-volume attempter.

If he can improve his shooting to the point where he consistently hits corner 3s, his defense may be valuable enough to stick in the NBA. That will take some time for his jumper to come around. Still, I’d be willing to bet a two-way deal on expediting that process, because if it does, Watson has some value in the NBA.

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NBA Draft 2024 live updates (2024)

FAQs

What round will Bronny James be drafted? ›

The Los Angeles Lakers select Bronny James with the 55th overall pick in the 2nd round of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Who will be the #1 pick in the NBA Draft 2024? ›

No. 1: Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks)

The Atlanta Hawks select Zaccharie Risacher (France) as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.

Is Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft? ›

USC guard Bronny James was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second-round with the 55th overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft held at ESPN's Seaport District Studios in Manhattan, N.Y.

Did Justin Edwards get drafted? ›

Justin Edwards remains undaunted after going undrafted: 'I was the best player in the draft' Edwards, the No. 3 prospect in the class of 2023, was expected to be a lottery pick. Instead, he wasn't picked on draft night and joined the Sixers on a two-way deal.

Will the Lakers draft Bronny? ›

55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and team him with his father, LeBron James, the Lakers couldn't pass on the chance to make history. “The biggest moments in sports happen with the Lakers,” Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said Thursday after drafting Bronny.

How many points did Bronny James average in college? ›

On an average of 4.8 points per game, the 19-year-old's numbers don't jump off the page but as you can above, there is a solid base to build on. Now that he's set to play alongside his father, one has to imagine that process is going to be something to watch.

What NBA team has the most draft picks in 2024? ›

There is currently a tie for the most picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Spurs and Trail Blazers each have four selections this year. San Antonio has Nos. 4, 8, 35, and 48 overall and Portland has Nos.

Do the Warriors have a draft pick in 2024? ›

The Warriors entered the 2024 NBA Draft with the No. 52 overall pick. Post was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands and won the 2017-18 Dutch National U18 Championship as the team's starting center.

Why are there only 58 picks in the NBA draft? ›

The time between second-round picks expanded from two minutes to four. For the third year in a row, the draft consists of 58 picks instead of the typical 60, this time due to the loss of a second-round pick for both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Phoenix Suns for violating the NBA's tampering rules during free agency.

What team is most likely to draft Bronny James? ›

Bronny only worked out with two teams ahead of the draft — the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns. Despite the rumors, the Lakers are currently huge favorites to draft Bronny.

What is Bronny James' real name? ›

LeBron Raymone "Bronny" James Jr. (born October 6, 2004) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the USC Trojans.

Will Boogie Ellis get drafted? ›

USC guard Boogie Ellis went untaken in the 2024 NBA draft, but was signed by the Sacramento Kings after the draft ended.

Will Antonio Reeves get drafted? ›

Former Kentucky basketball star Antonio Reeves was chosen in the second round by the Orlando Magic with the 47th overall pick and traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA draft on Thursday.

Will Tre Mitchell get drafted? ›

The veteran forward went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft and will now battle to earn a spot in the league as an undrafted free agent.

Did Justin Riggs get drafted? ›

Rigg was waived by the Bengals ahead of Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline, but he quickly found a new home in Pittsburgh via the practice squad. The undrafted rookie out of Kentucky was solid during his first NFL training camp and caught a three-yard touchdown during the Bengals' preseason finale.

What picks do the Lakers have in 2024? ›

The Lakers entered the 2024 NBA Draft with the No. 17 and No. 55 overall picks. Knecht has excellent size and is comfortable handling the ball, shooting off the catch and pulling up off the dribble from well beyond the 3-point line.

What time is round 2 of the NBA draft? ›

The 2024 NBA Draft will be held June 26-27, 2024. Coverage started at 8 p.m. ET on the first night and will start at 4 p.m. ET on the second night. This will be the first time that the draft will use a two-night format.

Will LeBron and Bronny play together? ›

Lebron's and Bronny James' agent, Rich Paul, made it clear that Bronny wouldn't sign a two-way contract. But Bronny obviously needs more reps. He needs playing time. He needs time in the G League.

Who did the Warriors draft in 2024? ›

The Warriors traded cash to reacquire the 52nd pick and drafted Quinten Post, per source. That officially hard caps the Warriors at the second apron.

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