Lakers pass on Bronny James in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft amid LeBron's player option

The Los Angeles Lakers have opted against using their 2024 first-round pick to draft Bronny James, as LeBron's eldest son was snubbed entirely on Wednesday night. 

Potentially projected to be among the first 30 picks amid his superstar father's player option this offseason, Bronny, 19, and his entourage were nowhere to be seen at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the first night of the draft. 

Instead, LeBron highlighted quality time with his Bronny and his younger son Bryce, 17, on Instagram, captioning his post: 'Not a feeling in the fkn world better than being around raising my boys to MEN!

'Pops over here getting emotional as hell just thinking yall journey so far! Thank you both for allowed me to be your DAD and be part of your compass through life's trials and tribulations!'

The Lakers, who only owned the rights to the 17th overall pick in the first round of the draft, selected shooting guard Dalton Knecht out of Tennessee. Knecht can also play as a small forward. 

LA's move in the draft will certainly be interesting to analyze in the coming days as LeBron, 39, has a $51.4million play option on his contract that must be decided by Saturday.

More to follow...