Rob Pelinka’s decision to move up in the second round has fans revisiting last year’s Bronny pick, raising questions about merit, loyalty and team direction

The 2025 NBA offseason has turned into a focal point of discussion in Los Angeles. A seemingly small move by Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, trading from pick No. 55 to No. 45 in Round 2, has rekindled fierce debate.

At the center of this resurgence is Bronny James, whose selection at No. 55 in 2024 stirred conversations around nepotism, legacy, and front office priorities.

Last year’s draft night was unforgettable. With the 55th overall selection, the Lakers defied expectations and added LeBron James‘ son to their roster. It was an emotional, symbolic play: the first-ever father-son duo in active NBA history.

Yet critics balked at the move. Late second-round picks rarely pan out, and Bronny‘s limited playing time didn’t help quell skepticism.

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Fast forward to the 2025 draft. Lakers, without a first-round pick (thanks to previous trades involving Anthony Davis), held just one selection in Round 2.

But Pelinka, clearly eyeing greater upside, orchestrated a trade with Chicago: swing No. 55 plus cash for the No. 45 pick.

That shift might seem small, but fans interpreted it as significant. The message was clear: L.A. is aiming for readiness and impact, not nostalgia.

One fan lamented, “They should give whomever they draft the same money as Bronny. And make it guaranteed.” That jab underscores the larger issue, Bronny’s rookie package (nearly $8 million, with over $4.3 million guaranteed) was an extraordinary deal for a late second-rounder.

Fans push back as Bronny re-enters draft conversation

The reaction online wasn’t reserved for the new trade, it reignited last year’s backlash. Memes and sarcasm flowed, including one joking, “Lakers retiring the 55th pick in honor of Bronny’s legendary rookie season.” Implicit in the humor is a reminder: that pick never should have been notable.

Another popular meme featured Bronny seeing another second-rounder land on the Lakers, implying he could easily be replaced.

The subtext: increased competition may threaten his tenuous hold on playing time.

The financial side came under similar scrutiny. One snarky fan observed, “Lakers said we can’t afford another Bronny-level player.” Fans are growing frustrated with the pace, style, and valuation of the franchise’s draft strategy.

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For Pelinka, stepping up from 55 to 45 suggests a calculated move to take someone who can step onto the court sooner.

Names like Creighton‘s 7’1 center Ryan Kalkbrenner are reportedly on their radar. That’s a sharp contrast to last year’s emotionally charged pick. This signals a philosophy shift: from sentimental experiment to basketball-first scouting.