REPORT: Eastern Conference contenders are showing interest in Bronny James.

Is Pat Riley planning to bring LeBron James back to Miami in the end?

The Miami Heat are reportedly actively scouting Bronny James and may select him with a 2024 lottery pick, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

In an interview with “The Pat McAfee Show,” Charania disclosed the teams who are currently scouting the freshman from USC.

The Lakers will give up their first-round pick to the Pelicans in exchange for Anthony Davis, even though the Heat possess it this year. Therefore, Bronny has to fall to the second round for the Lakers to advance.

In contrast, the Raptors can be considered the sleeper because they have two first-round picks and a second-round pick (via the Pistons). Given that Detroit has the worst record in the league this season, the second-round selection is expected to come early in the round.

It has long been assumed that James would rather play with his son until the end of his career. NBA source Marc Stein claimed earlier this month that James might be prepared to give up his $51 million player option with the Lakers in exchange for sharing the court with Bronny and accepting a salary cut.

Playing alongside Bronny was one of James’s last few NBA goals, he disclosed last year.

“I need to be on the floor with my boy, I got to be on the floor with Bronny,” James stated to ESPN.

Whether Bronny will be a one-and-done in college or return to USC for another season is still up in the air. Many speculate that Bronny, who missed the first portion of his rookie season because of a cardiac collapse, would make a comeback for his sophomore year.

James has until June 29 to choose whether to accept the Lakers’ player option. June 26–27, 2024, is when the NBA Draft will take place. The week running up to July’s free agency period could be exciting.