After completing his freshman season at USC, Bronny James faces three potential paths, each of which could have significant implications for himself and his father, NBA superstar LeBron James.
Bronny, who is currently 19 years old, is projected to participate in the 2024 NBA Draft. Standing at 6-foot-3, the guard had an average of 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists for the Trojans during the 2023 season. However, his field goal percentage was low at 36.6 percent.
Despite being projected to go as high as the lottery, the younger James’ draft stock has been affected by his numbers and a cardiac arrest on July 24 caused by a congenital heart defect.
If Bronny participates in this year’s draft, he may end up being picked in the second round’s lower positions or not get drafted at all.
It is possible for James to continue his education at USC for his second year and further develop his skills. It is highly probable that he will have the opportunity to make more than the six starts he had in 25 games played last year. As a younger player, James would greatly benefit from an increase in playing time and offensive responsibilities.
Bronny may also consider transferring to a different program. The Trojans failed to qualify for the NCAA tournament and may potentially lose three of their top players in the upcoming months. Therefore, he could pursue a more prominent role with a competitive program.
Although another year in college would provide him with an opportunity to showcase more of his skills, it would also postpone the possibility of joining his father LeBron James in the NBA.
Despite his superstar status on the Los Angeles Lakers, the player has consistently expressed his desire to play alongside his oldest son before he hangs up his jersey. His recent reaffirmation of comments made at the All-Star Weekend only solidifies his serious contemplation of retirement.
The veteran player, who has been selected for the All-Star team 20 times, will begin his 22nd season in the league next year as he nears the age of 40. Unfortunately, his son’s choice to enter the draft could potentially shatter his long-held dream of playing alongside him.
Consequently, the Lakers would probably lose their chance at winning the championship as they would have to find someone to fill the big shoes left behind. The older James played a crucial role in reviving the Lakers from a 35-win team in the 2017-18 season, the season before his arrival, to becoming NBA champions in three years, in 2020.
In the end, everyone in Bronny’s support system desires the best for him. He displays glimpses of NBA readiness in his game, indicating that if he chooses that path, he has the potential to rapidly develop while playing alongside his father and generate significant box office appeal.
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