Key Takeaways:
* Bronny James has been invited to the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
* The NBA now requires all invited players to participate in the Combine.
* Yet-to-be-confirmed reports suggest that the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in drafting Bronny.
* Despite a challenging freshman year, James has kept his NBA dreams alive.
* His decision on whether to accept the Combine invite and possibly enter the draft or to continue with NCAA is due by May 12.
Bronny James, son of NBA icon, LeBron James, has been identified as one of the 78 players invited to the highly anticipated 2024 NBA Draft Combine, due to take place at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago between May 12 and May 19.
The significance of Bronny’s invitation arises from a new regulation under the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement. As of this year, attendance and participation at the Combine have become mandatory for any player to be eligible for the NBA Draft. As such, Bronny must decide before May 12 if he will attend.
Bronny’s Decision Yet to Be Made
Currently, Bronny remains in limbo, unsure of whether to enter the draft or return to the NCAA. The weight of the decision has been amplified due to the NBA’s new rule, forcing the young athlete to commit to a choice sooner.
Adding to the pressure, news on FansDuel TV’s “Run It Back” show revealed a potential interest from the Los Angeles Lakers to draft Bronny. NBA insider, Shams Charania, spotlighted the timing of LeBron James’ player option date, hinting at the possibility of a father-son duo on the Lakers.
“LeBron James’ player option date is June 29,” Charania noted. “And what’s potentially on draft night? His son, Bronny James. It would be a perfect scenario if the Lakers could bring LeBron James back, and also draft Bronny.”
While it’s clear LeBron has often voiced his wish to play alongside his son, Bronny’s sentiments on the matter are less known. Commenting on the situation, ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst called for Bronny to express his desires openly, “I would love it if Bronny would just come out and say ‘this is what I want.’”
Bronny’s freshman year at USC offered mixed fortunes. His average of 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 25 games and an abrupt cardiac arrest incident defined his season. It also raised doubts about his readiness for the NBA, especially given that he played out of his natural position at USC.
Despite the complexities, Windhorst relayed NBA scouts’ belief of not having seen the best from Bronny. He stated: “When I talk to scouts about Bronny, they don’t think that he was able to put his best foot forward this year because USC didn’t play him at his position.”
The news about Bronny’s invite follows his Instagram post: “I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA transfer portal. Thank you to USC for an amazing freshman year…”
With Bronny’s decision looming, the basketball world is waiting with bated breath to see where his journey will go next.