All eyes have been on Bronny James this week during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago as he looks to prove to NBA scouts and evaluators that he’s worthy of being selected in the upcoming NBA Draft.
James still has the choice to return to college basketball and retain his eligibility if he withdraws from the draft by the May 29 deadline, a decision he has not yet made after entering the NCAA transfer portal and declaring for the NBA Draft in April. But with his father LeBron James having publicly expressed his desire to play with his son and him turning 40 years old next basketball season, many are curious if the 2024 season will be when that dream becomes a reality.
James did not speak with the media during his freshman season at USC but did at the combine, and was asked what it would mean to him if he did in fact team up with his father at the NBA level.
“When I get there I don’t think it would just be like me and my dad,” James said. “I would be happy about getting to the league instead of thinking about playing with my dad. But that’s not my mindset right now at all, I’m just trying to put in the work and see what it takes me.”
Bronny James is trying to keep his focus on his basketball journey and pursuit of making it to the next level. But when you’re the son of a living legend that many believe is the greatest basketball player of all time, that’s a lot easier said than done.
James played high school basketball at Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth, Los Angeles (CA), where he was a four-star prospect. Ranked the No. 25 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle and the No. 6 point guard, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Many were surprised when he declared for the NBA draft following an underwhelming debut season with the Trojans, averaging just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his 19.4 minutes per game with only six starts on the year. And while many believe his declaration is a direct play at joining forces with his father at the pro level, James revealed that playing with his father is not necessarily a goal of his.
“Nah, never,” James said. “My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself, and of course get to the NBA. Which everyone’s end goal is here and I never thought about just playing with my dad.”
“But of course, he’s brought it up a couple times,” James smiled and said. “But I don’t think about it that much.”
There’s no question that the public thinks about it a lot, as many in the media have already tried to forecast potential destinations that James could land at in the NBA to team up with his father. A conversation that will surely pick up steam if Bronny James decides not to return to college hoops next season.
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