LOS ANGELES — Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, announced Friday his intention of entering both the NBA draft and the NCAA transfer portal after a challenging freshman season at the University of Southern California, effectively deferring a decision on his future by keeping multiple paths open.
The announcement, which came on Instagram, comes shortly after Andy Enfield departed for Southern Methodist University after 11 years as USC’s coach. The Trojans hired former Arkansas coach Eric Musselman to replace Enfield on Thursday.
James committed to USC last year as one of the most-hyped prospects in the country, but the start of his collegiate career was delayed when he suffered sudden cardiac arrest during a July practice. After undergoing surgery to address a congenital heart defect, James received clearance from multiple doctors in November and debuted in December to much fanfare for a USC team that wound up finishing a disappointing 15-18 and failed to reach the NCAA tournament.
“I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete,” James wrote. “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, and as always thankful for my family, friends, doctors, athletic trainers and fans for their support.”
James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games, and he spent most of the season coming off the bench. A four-star recruit who has been projected at times to be a first-round pick, James displayed his ability as a perimeter defender at USC, but he wasn’t utilized as a primary playmaker and shot just 26.7 percent on three-pointers.
The 2024 NBA draft class is regarded as relatively weak, especially at the top, which could aid James’s chances of being selected. The Lakers, who may have to send their first-round pick to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of their 2019 trade for Anthony Davis if the Pelicans choose not to defer that pick until 2025, possess a second-round pick owed to them by the Los Angeles Clippers.
James has until May 31 to decide whether to remain in the draft or return to college. The draft will be held June 26-27. Before committing to USC, James also considered Ohio State and Oregon.
LeBron James, 39, has long expressed a desire to play with his son in the NBA, hoping to become basketball’s version of Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., who were teammates with MLB’s Seattle Mariners in 1990 and 1991. LeBron James’s contract with the Lakers includes a player option for the 2024-25 season, which could theoretically help maximize his ability to team up with his son this summer. LeBron James has until June 29, after the draft, to decide whether he will opt into his $54.1 million option. The 21-year veteran is reportedly seeking a multiyear extension.
“Bronny is his own man, and he has some tough decisions to make,” LeBron James said this week, before his son’s announcement. “When he’s ready to make those decisions, he’ll let us all know. But as his family, we’re going to support whatever he does.”
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