Bronny James Jr., the eldest son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, has made the decision to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft.
In a message shared on his Instagram account, James expressed his desire to preserve his college eligibility while also entering the NCAA transfer portal following a year at the University of Southern California.
"I've had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student, and athlete," he stated, expressing gratitude towards USC and their staff for their backing.
The choice comes after a tumultuous freshman year for the 19-year-old guard. In July, he suffered cardiac arrest during a practice session, necessitating an extended period of recuperation. Following treatment at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, James was advised to return home for rest, as per his cardiologist's instructions. It was later discovered that he had a congenital heart defect.
James made his debut for USC in December. Throughout his single season with the team, he averaged close to five points and three rebounds per game. Participating in 24 games, his highest-scoring performance came against Oregon State University, where he amassed 15 points.
Considered a five-star recruit, James was a standout player in USC's latest recruiting class. Speculated to have a chance in the upcoming NBA draft, he is likely to be a second-round pick if he chooses to pursue that path, as per analysis from CBS Sports.
