LeBron James’s son is set to enter the 2024 NBA draft and may yet fulfil his father’s dream of playing together on the basketball court.
Bronny James announced the move on Instagram saying: “I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA transfer portal.”
The 19-year-old will now train and meet with NBA teams to determine if he wants to turn professional – and has until 16 June to withdraw his name from consideration.
It comes after the teenager suffered a cardiac arrest in July while he was playing at the University of Southern California (USC) during his first year as a student there.
He had surgery for a congenital heart defect, but recovered and made his debut for USC Trojans.
Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest last summer but recovered. Pic: AP
Bronny James said on Instagram: “I’ve had a year with some ups and downs, but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete.
“Thank you to USC for an amazing Freshman year, and as always thankful for my family, friends, doctors, athletic trainers and fans for their support.”
The 6ft 4in guard averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists over 19.4 minutes per game while shooting 36.6% from the field as a freshman at USC.
Considered one of the greatest players ever, LeBron, 39, who has been with the LA Lakers since 2018, has repeatedly expressed the desire to play with his son.
Bronny James giving his father LeBron a high five before a game. Pic: AP
“King James” told ESPN in 2023: “I need to be on the floor with my boy, I got to be on the floor with Bronny.
“Either in the same uniform or a matchup against him. I ask him what his aspirations (are) and he says he wants to play in the NBA. So if he wants to do it, he’s got to put in the work. I’m here already, so I’m just waiting on him.”
LeBron has often been captured cheering his elder son on from the sidelines, but it is not a certainty Bronny will play with his father or play in the NBA this year.
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The NCAA portal could mean Bronny transfers to another college and The Athletic reported he would be assessing his NBA Draft evaluation and meeting teams before settling on his future path.
If Bronny decides to go ahead with the draft this year, his father’s team the LA Lakers may not be able to pick him.
The 2024 NBA Draft will take place on 26 – 27 June.