In a significant move, Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of NBA superstar LeBron James, has declared for the NBA draft following his freshman year at Southern California. His decision, announced via Instagram, comes after a season marked by recovery from cardiac arrest. Remarkably, he has chosen to retain his college eligibility and will explore options in the transfer portal.
Reflecting on his time at USC, Bronny James acknowledges the season’s challenges and triumphs, emphasizing personal growth in his journey as a student, athlete, and individual. His announcement coincided with USC’s introduction of Eric Musselman as the new head coach, succeeding Andy Enfield, who recently transitioned to coaching at SMU.
LeBron James, expressing pride in his son’s autonomy, emphasized the family’s unwavering support for Bronny’s career decisions. During his time with the Trojans, Bronny averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, displaying potential in his 25-game stint that included six starts. Despite a shooting performance that showed room for improvement, his participation drew significant attention, with LeBron, his wife, and their daughter often spotted as courtside supporters.
The future NBA hopeful didn’t make his college debut until mid-December due to the health setback suffered in July. James experienced cardiac arrest during a workout and was diagnosed with a treatable congenital heart defect. His return to the court was a testament to the efforts of his medical team, trainers, and support system, a fact he briefly acknowledged in a rare media appearance post-debut.
Throughout the season, James remained largely inaccessible to the media, focusing instead on his recovery and gameplay. His path forward in basketball now leads to potential NBA prospects, guided by the advice of Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who represents both Bronny and his father. LeBron James has openly expressed his aspiration to play alongside his son in the NBA, a dream that could soon become reality.
