Guard Bronny James will stay in the 2024 NBA draft process after one season playing college basketball with the USC Trojans, according to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Bronny is the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, and has widely been considered a potential draft pick or priority free agent signing despite a pedestrian performance for the Trojans as a freshman in 2023-24.
James suffered cardiac arrest in July and was unable to suit up for the Trojans until December, ultimately appearing in 25 games and making six starts. Across 19.3 minutes per game, Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He shot 48.1% on two pointers, 26.7% on threes, and 67.6% from the free throw line.
The 6’3 guard was invited to participate in the 2024 NBA draft combine taking place this week, and has been fully cleared to play.
Sources: Bronny James is expected to stay in the 2024 NBA Draft. The USC freshman has been fully cleared to play in the league as part of Fitness to Play panel and will participate in all pre-draft activities starting with the Draft Combine this week. pic.twitter.com/UDf3HanCAS
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 13, 2024
Reports that LeBron wants to play with his son helped elevate Bronny’s draft stock, but LeBron has since backed off that comment – making it difficult to know if a team will be willing to use a draft pick to take a player who averaged less than five points per game on inefficient shooting in his only collegiate season.