NBA Twitter jokes about reports of 'anonymous executive' calling Lakers' decision to draft Bronny James correct - "Probably Rob Pelinka" 

The choice for the Lakers to draft Bronny James with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 Draft has been nothing short of controversial, with fans, players, and staffers. One anonymous executive came out to support the pick, however, according to an interview for Heavy Sports.

"They saw something good in him, so why not take him? A lot of people saw good things in him, but I think they were scared off," the executive reportedly said.

Fans were quick to shoot down the sentiment in the report. One joked that the executive in question must be Rob Pelinka, the general manager for the LA Lakers.

"That anonymous executive is probably Rob Pelinka btw," wrote one user. "LeBron likely made him say that as an 'anonymous executive'."

"This has to be Rob Pelinka bro stop it," added another.

"That GM wouldn’t remain anonymous if he actually believed what he is saying", another chimed in.

Some fans pointed out what they saw as obvious — Bronny James being drafted solely because of his father's wishes. A couple of users posted photos of LeBron James himself when referencing "the executive" in question.

"Lakers made the decision to draft him cause that’s what his dad wanted, there’s no basketball reason for the pick", one user said.

One fan spoke up for the young guard, mentioning how never before has such a spotlight been placed on a No. 55 overall pick.

"I don’t think any team has come under more fire about how they spent their 55th pick than the Lakers. The Bronny hate is wild," he wrote.

"The Lakers are betting on Bronny James' potential beyond his stats, likely based on his character and potential seen up close," one supporter said.

Bronny struggles again in third summer league outing

It was another rough display for the rookie on Friday, as he scored a summer league-high eight points, but shot miserably from the floor. He converted 3-14 overall, but more importantly, failed to hit one of his eight three-point attempts. He is still without a deep ball this summer league.

He grabbed five rebounds, but also committed three turnovers in the blowout loss against No. 3 overall pick Reed Sheppard and the Houston Rockets.

The Lakers' next game will be against the Boston Celtics on Monday, in what may be Bronny James' first matchup in the famous Lakers-Celtics rivalry.