Los Angeles, California – Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, made a significant announcement on Friday through his Instagram account. The 19-year-old guard confirmed his decision to enter the 2024 NBA Draft while also maintaining his college eligibility. Additionally, Bronny revealed his plan to enter the transfer portal to explore opportunities with NBA teams before making a final decision.
Sources close to Bronny mentioned that his main focus is on the upcoming draft, with input from Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports Group. This dual approach marks the culmination of a challenging season at USC, where Bronny faced a serious health scare that began with a cardiac arrest during a team workout in July. Despite the setback, he showed remarkable resilience to return to the court in a bench role.
After receiving medical clearance to resume practice four months later, Bronny made his collegiate debut for USC. Over the course of the season, he played in 25 games, starting six and averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes per game. In his announcement on Instagram, Bronny reflected on the growth he experienced as a man, student, and athlete throughout the challenging year.
The decision to pursue the NBA Draft and explore the transfer portal came amidst uncertainties following his coach’s departure from USC. LeBron James, supportive of his son’s choices, emphasized Bronny’s autonomy in making tough decisions about his future. LeBron’s vision of playing alongside his son in the NBA has been made clear, with the elder James expressing his willingness to do whatever it takes to share the court with Bronny for one season.
Regarding his own future in the NBA, LeBron hinted at nearing the end of his illustrious career. Despite having a $51.4 million player option with the Lakers for the next season, LeBron acknowledged that retirement is on the horizon. While discussing the limited time left in his career, LeBron revealed uncertainty about the exact timeframe for his eventual retirement.
As the James family navigates the intersection of their respective NBA journeys, Bronny’s announcement sets the stage for a new chapter in his basketball career. The potential for a father-son duo in the NBA remains a compelling storyline, one that fans eagerly anticipate as both LeBron and Bronny navigate their paths in professional basketball.