Bronny James is focused on preparation prior to the 2024 NBA Draft and is ready to play for the franchise who believes he has a chance to shine at the next level — and that might not necessarily be the Los Angeles Lakers, who are led by his father, LeBron James. Long-rumored to be a package deal of sorts this summer with LeBron James potentially opting out of his deal with the Lakers and teaming up with his son, Bronny James says that’s never been the plan.
Bronny James was cleared medically this month after suffering cardiac arrest last summer and will remain in the 2024 NBA Draft after entering the transfer portal following his freshman season at USC.
“No, never. My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself, and get to the NBA, which is everyone’s end goal that’s here,” Bronny James said Tuesday, via Michael Scotto. “I never thought about just playing with my dad, but of course he’s brought it up a couple of times. But yeah, I don’t think about it much.”
Bronny’s opinion echoes previous thoughts from Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who happens to be LeBron James’ agent.
Paul said that “Bronny wants to be his own man” and is not focused on following in his father’s footsteps or the widely-circulated speculation he wants to play for the Los Angeles Lakers if his father sticks around.
LeBron James said earlier this season he will not influence his son’s decision, but would enjoy playing alongside him at some point in the NBA.
“It’s up to him. It’s up to the kid,” James told TNT’s Inside the NBA ahead the NBA All-Star Game in February. “Obviously we gonna go through the whole process. He’s still in season now, has the Pac-12 Tournament coming up. … We gonna weigh our options, and we gonna let the kid make the decision.”
Director of scouting for 247Sports, Adam Finkelstein projects both players to be on the same team next season.
“I expect Bronny will play with LeBron next year,” Finkelstein said last month on CBS Sports HQ. “There’s still some variables and hurdles to cross. He has to be declared eligible to compete because of the cardiac arrest he suffered over the summer. The NBA still needs to clear him before he’s able to participate in workouts and in the NBA Combine. LeBron has been very clear that he intends to play with his son. He wants to be day-to-day with his son. The Lakers want to keep LeBron happy. LeBron is eligible for an extension this year, and it looks like it’s going to be a multi-year extension.
“He has more leverage than ever. It is a big ask, but he’s got the leverage to pull it off. He’s LeBron James. He’s dictated front office moves for a long, long time. This one is not some max contract. This is your 15th spot on the roster.”
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James, a former four-star recruit, played in 24 games for USC as a true freshman this past season, averaging 4.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 19.3 minutes per contest. He shot 37.4% from the floor and 27.3% from 3-point range.
