Bronny James, the son of L.A. Lakers superstar Lebron James, has entered the NBA draft and the NCCA transfer portal.
According to the New York Post, after a “challenging” first year at USC, Bronny decided to explore the possibility of playing professionally, while keeping the option open to return to college.
The 19-year-old took to Instagram to share the news with his followers. He stated, “I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete.”
The Trojan continued, “I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA draft while maintaining my college eligibility and will also be entering the NCCA transfer portal.”
His statement concluded, “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.”
Bronny plans to visit and work out for NBA teams, The Athletic Shams Charania reports per Yahoo Sports. After evaluation, the student-athlete will decide if he will enter the draft.
Earlier in the week reports surfaced that Bronny would enter the draft after the USC head coach Andy Enfield resigned.
The LA Laker stated, “I don’t know where [the report] came from, but at the end of the day, Bronny is his own man.”
Lebron added, “He has some tough decisions to make and when he’s ready to make those decisions, he’ll let us all know. As his family, we’ll support whatever he does.”
The guard’s first year didn’t go as smoothly. Bronny would make his season debut roughly a month after it began due to a major health scare in July 2023. The 6’4 baller suffered cardiac arrest during a USC workout and was later diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.
Additionally, Lebron’s eldest son averaged 4.8, points, 2.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game.
Fans seem skeptical about Bronny’s decision but love the idea of father and son balling on the same team.