What to make of the Bronny James draft intrigue and another NBA offseason all about LeBron

It has been 11 years since LeBron James was named MVP. In the past eight years, he has won one (bubble) title. In the past four years, he has advanced past the first round just one time.

James is approaching 40. And he remains the central figure of the NBA offseason.

More than two decades after James headlined one of the most star-studded draft classes in NBA history, the Lakers star looms over next week’s NBA Draft, which features his son Bronny.

In a draft that is widely projected to be one of the weakest collections of high-end talent in league history, Bronny — who almost certainly would go undrafted with different parents — is attracting even more attention than his name would suggest.