Did Ronnie James get drafted to the Lakers? This question has intrigued basketball fans for years, as the Los Angeles Lakers have a storied history of drafting and developing talent. Ronnie James, a promising forward from the University of Miami, was a highly sought-after prospect in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, his journey to the Lakers was not as straightforward as many fans had hoped.
The 2018 NBA Draft was a highly anticipated event, with several top prospects expected to be selected in the first round. Ronnie James, known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess, was one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft class. Despite his impressive skill set, the Lakers ultimately passed on selecting him.
Several factors contributed to the Lakers’ decision to draft another player over Ronnie James. One of the primary reasons was the team’s need for a guard who could provide immediate scoring and playmaking ability. The Lakers had already drafted Isaac Bonga, a forward from Sweden, and were looking to fill their backcourt with a more experienced player.
In the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft, the Lakers selected Alex Caruso, a guard from USC. Caruso was seen as a solid defensive player with the potential to contribute on both ends of the floor. While James was a highly skilled forward, the Lakers felt that Caruso would be a better fit for their team’s needs at the time.
After going undrafted, Ronnie James had to prove his worth on the free-agent market. He eventually signed a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls, allowing him to play both in the NBA and the G League. This move provided James with an opportunity to showcase his skills and earn a long-term contract with an NBA team.
During his time with the Bulls, James demonstrated his ability to contribute on both offense and defense. He averaged 10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in the G League, while also making a strong impression in limited minutes with the Bulls. His performances helped him earn a two-year contract with the Bulls in the 2019-2020 season.
While Ronnie James did not get drafted to the Lakers, his journey has been far from over. The young forward has continued to develop his game and prove his worth as a valuable player in the NBA. Although the Lakers did not select him, his talent and determination have not gone unnoticed by other teams in the league.
As the years go by, the question of whether Ronnie James would have been a good fit for the Lakers remains a topic of debate among basketball fans. While it is impossible to know what could have been, one thing is certain: Ronnie James has a bright future ahead of him in the NBA. Whether he ends up playing for the Lakers or another team, his story serves as a reminder that talent and hard work can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
