The entire basketball landscape was curious if Bronny James would hear his name called on draft night just like his father LeBron James back in 2003. And after 21 years, it’s like father, like son, with Bronny James being selected with the No. 55 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft by theLos Angeles Lakers.
James joins theLakers following just one season at USC, where he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his 19.4 minutes per game during his true freshman year. Primarily coming off of the bench for the Trojans with just six starts and three games in double figures last college basketball season.
James played high school basketball at Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth, Los Angeles (CA), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 25 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle and the No. 6 ranked point guard, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
His college career got off to a frightening start after suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest in early July during one of USC’s offseason workouts. But he eventually worked himself back to full strength after missing the first eight games of the season, shooting 36.6% from the field in his 25 games as a two-way role player for the Trojans.
It’s no secret that James’ production and lack of starting experience at the college level represent that of an NBA Draft selection. But with his father previously expressing the desire to eventually play alongside his son in the NBA, it will be fascinating to see if the two eventually join forces.
What NBA Draft experts are saying about Bronny James
At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds James does not have the typical size of a guard in the NBA, which could give him trouble on both ends of the floor at the next level. But at the NBA Combine, he did display impressive athleticism and shooting ability. With most evaluators viewing James as a potential 3-and-D player at the NBA level who may need further development in the NBA G League.
“James excels in catch-and-shoot situations and shows great energy and instincts on defense,” read RotoWire‘s profile on James. “At 6-foot-2, he lacks size at the NBA level, but his athleticism is considered elite. James can handle the ball and is a willing passer but isn’t a true point guard.”
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