Bronny James, the USC star freshman and son of NBA legend LeBron James, will decide on entering the 2024 NBA Draft based on team interest, not perceived draft position.
Bronny’s draft stock has inadvertently fallen since last July, when he went into cardiac arrest after a summer workout with the Trojans.
The eldest son of LeBron James was once projected as a lottery pick in this summer’s draft before starting his first collegiate season. Last week, Bronny was left completely off ESPN’s latest mock draft.
The snub led to a now-deleted social-media post from LeBron, raging against the decision. James’ reaction to his son being left off of ESPN’s prediction comes a year after the Lakers’ legend said Bronny was ‘definitely better than some of these cats I’ve been watching’.
Instead of being a major player at USC, Bronny has averaged only five points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Yet, the extraordinary potential James showed at powerhouse Sierra Canyon High School cannot be ignored.
Bronny James has played for USC this season after going into cardiac arrest over the summer
Bronny’s potential NBA future has been discussed in large part due to his father, LeBron
‘I don’t value a young player getting into the lottery as much as I do getting him on the right team in the right developmental situation,’ LeBron’s agent Rich Paul told ESPN.
‘LeBron wants Bronny to be his own man,’ Paul added.
LeBron has long expressed a desire to play in the NBA with his son, as a window only exists for a few years for that to happen, as the elder James turns 40 in December.
Paul added LeBron would be ‘head over heels excited’ if Bronny and he could be on the same roster. Right now, that would mean the James duo staying in Los Angeles.
LeBron suiting up for a fourth NBA franchise is on the table to facilitate his dream.
Due to Bronny’s heart condition as a result of July’s cardiac arrest, the 19-year-old James would have to be cleared by the NBA Fitness to Play Panel. That clearance would be expected, as he’s played for USC throughout the season.
The unknown of opting to enter the 2025 NBA Draft could weigh on Bronny’s decision as well. Although it gives him another opportunity to prove himself at USC, the draft class has been considered deeper with talent than the 2024 edition.
