On Monday, the Lakers star took to X to comment on the report from basketball news aggregator NBA Central. The post reported that Bronny, a freshman at USC, has been removed from ESPN’s 2024 NBA mock draft and is now expected to enter the league next year.

‘Can yall please just let the kid be a kid and enjoy college basketball,’ James wrote in a post that has since been deleted. ‘The work and results will ultimately do the talking no matter what he decides to do. If y’all don’t know he doesn’t care what a mock draft says, he just WORKS! Earned Not Given!’

After reiterating his son’s dedication to the sport, James commented on the little importance held by mock drafts.

‘And to all the other kids out there striving to be great just keep your head down, blinders on and keep grinding,’ he continued. ‘These Mock Drafts doesn’t matter one bit! I promise you! Only the WORK MATTERS!! Let’s talk REAL BASKETBALL PEOPLE!’

LeBron James sounded off on mock drafts projecting his son Bronny to enter the NBA in 2025

Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest while working out with the USC Trojans last summer

ESPN currently has Bronny projected to get picked at No 39 in the 2025 NBA Draft.

After On3 and NBACentral made posts about the projection, ESPN NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony reached out to clarify the reason behind Bronny’s placement.

‘I know that accuracy isn’t a big thing for you guys, but he hasn’t been on the 2024 mock draft since his heart issue in July,’ Givony posted.

On3 has since corrected its story and social media post. On the other hand, NBA Central’s post remains on X.

The freshman currently averages 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game for USC

Bronny drew a lot of attention – not only as LeBron’s eldest son but also -as a star at Sierra Canyon through high school. Shortly after committing to the Trojans, the freshman suffered a cardiac arrest while working out with the team over the summer.

After the health scare, Bronny suited up for his USC debut in December against Long Beach State, where he tallied four points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 17 minutes off the bench.

He currently averages 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists as the Trojans sit 11th in the Pac-12 with an 11-16 record.

While in his 21st season in the NBA, James has openly expressed his desire to play with his son in the league.