Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA legend LeBron James, is on an incredible NBA journey. His path is his own, with its own unique challenges and triumphs, including a standout performance in the McDonald's All-American Game. This is his story from his early years to the end point of one day being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers organization, compared to his father’s career.
Bronny James was born October 6, 2004, in Akron, Ohio to LeBron James and Savannah Brinson. From a young age, he was surrounded by basketball, playing on various youth teams and getting national attention for his play. He started his early basketball experiences with the Miami City Ballers. He attended middle school at Old Trail School in Bath Township, Ohio, where he played for the North Coast Blue Chips, before moving to Crossroads School in Santa Monica, California and Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California. At Sierra Canyon Bronny was a combo guard. He averaged 13.8 points, 5.5, 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 more, two assists, 2.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game as a senior and was a 2023 McDonald’s All-American. His high school career was full of big wins, including a game where Sierra Canyon beat his father’s alma mater St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. Bronny finished his high school career as a four-star recruit.
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Bronny committed to the University of Southern California (USC) to play college basketball. His freshman college season was expected and highly anticipated but was derailed by a big health scare. In July 2023, James collapsed during practice due to a cardiac arrest. The incident was later attributed to a congenital heart defect and Bronny’s recovery was closely followed by the basketball world.
Despite that setback, Bronny’s toughness and determination to win still showed through. He continued to work on his game, doing private workouts with NBA teams including the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns. His play and potential kept him in the headlines. after high school debut James signed NIL deals with Nike and Beats by Dre, allowing him to profit from his status as a college athlete.
Less than five months after his cardiac arrest, Bronny made his collegiate debut for the Trojans on December 10, 2023. He scored 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block off the bench. That season he showed flashes of brilliance including a career-high 15 points in a road loss to Oregon State and a season-high four assists in 30 minutes against No. 12 Arizona. He played in USC’s final 25 games, starting 6 and averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 more, and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes per game.
On April 5, 2024, Bronny announced on Instagram account that he would enter the 2024 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility and also enter the transfer portal. ESPN reported on this decision, highlighting the significance of his choice. In early May 2024, he was medically cleared to be eligible for the NBA draft. On May 28, 2024, it was reported Bronny had at least 10 workout invites from NBA teams but would only visit a “couple” of those teams which included the Lakers and the Suns.
Bronny James was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. The possibility and implications of Bronny being drafted by an NBA team, particularly the Los Angeles Lakers, were widely discussed, considering the added pressure and scrutiny of playing with his famous father. His participation in the draft combine showcased his athletic abilities and improved skills, significantly impacting his standing as a draftable prospect. The first active father-son duo in NBA history. LeBron was still an active player for the Lakers. The draft was the culmination of all Bronny’s hard work and his family’s support, especially his dad who had been wanting to play with him for years. NBA draft expert Jonathan Givony praised Bronny's potential and his fit with the Lakers. Additionally, Bronny has over seven million followers on Instagram, highlighting his significant social media presence and influence as a public figure and athlete.
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LeBron James Jr.’s path to the NBA is different from his father’s. Born December 30, 1984 in Akron, Ohio, LeBron was a basketball prodigy from a young age. He attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School where he led his team to three state championships and was named Ohio’s Mr. Basketball three times. LeBron’s high school career was under the microscope and he was considered the best high school basketball player in the country. In 2003, he was selected 1st overall in the second round of the NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers and bypassed college altogether. LeBron’s NBA career has been nothing short of historic. He has 4 NBA championships, 2 with the Miami Heat, 1 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and 1 with the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s the all-time leading scorer in NBA history and has been NBA MVP 4 times.
Bronny’s selection is just the start of his professional career. He may start in the G League to continue to develop but the growth and the chance to play with his dad is a big deal. The Lakers development program and his family’s support will be key to the first half of Bronny’s NBA journey.LeBron is in the twilight of his career but he’s still playing at an elite level. His legacy is cemented and having his son on the Lakers is a new chapter in his story.
Bronny James’ path to the NBA is his own but was influenced by his father’s legacy. From high school star sports to college players, health challenges, and then one day being drafted by the Lakers organization, it’s a great story. As he steps on the NBA court the sports world will be watching to see what’s next for the James family.
Bronny James’ Journey
Bronny James’ high school career at Sierra Canyon was a mix of individual and team success. As a freshman, he was a supporting cast member on a team loaded with talent, future NBA players like Ziaire Williams and BJ Boston. Despite limited playing time, he showed flashes of his talent and high basketball IQ, averaging 4.1 points and three rebounds per game. As a sophomore, his season was cut short due to a meniscus injury but he came back strong as a junior averaging 8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. He was ranked top 30 in his class by 247Sports and ESPN as a senior he took on a leadership role averaging 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. James’s playing style was characterized by his basketball IQ, shooting, and defensive abilities, including his strengths in defensive anticipation and intensity. He was named to the McDonald’s All-American Game where he scored 15 points and showed off his shooting by going 5-8 from three. His high school career ended with a strong performance at the Nike Hoop Summit where he helped Team USA win with key plays down the stretch. During his senior season, he was joined on the team by his younger brother, Bryce, sharing memorable experiences as teammates.
Bronny’s decision to in high school athletes go to USC was influenced by the proximity to his family and the competition in the Pac 12. A specific youth game featuring James was canceled due to a fan's behavior. His commitment to USC was a big deal as he chose the Trojans over other top programs like Ohio State and Oregon. His performance in the McDonald’s All-American Game boosted his draft prospects and added to the anticipation of his college debut. Bronny’s time with the California Basketball Club during his sophomore season, especially his return after an injury, also played a significant role in shaping his career. His freshman season at USC was highly anticipated but almost derailed by a cardiac arrest during summer practice. The incident was a big scare but Bronny’s recovery and return to the court was inspiring. His early involvement in youth basketball games, including the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL), laid a strong foundation for his skills. He made his debut on December 10, 2023 and gradually found his footing as the season went on. Bronny’s college stats show a player still adjusting to the college level. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 36.6% from the field, 26.7% from three, and 67.6% from the free throw line. Despite the modest numbers his talent and work ethic was evident and he was still a highly regarded prospect.
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Bronny’s decision to enter the 2024 NBA Draft was met with excitement and anticipation. In a notable game against Rancho Christian School, Bronny made his senior debut and scored 13 points. His workouts with NBA teams including the Lakers and Suns were highly publicized and his performance at the NBA Combine helped his draft stock. Head coach Andre Chevalier, who led Sierra Canyon’s basketball program to national recognition and state titles, played a significant role in Bronny’s development. His selection by the Lakers with the 55th overall pick was historic as it set up the possibility of him playing with his father LeBron James. During James' junior season, he averaged impressive statistics in scoring, assists, and steals per game, which contributed to his high draft potential.
LeBron James’ career is one of the greatest in NBA history. In a basketball game at the Mission League semifinals, James scored 19 points in a loss against Notre Dame High School. He was drafted 1st pick overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers and quickly became one of the best players in the league. He won Rookie of the Year and led the Cavs to multiple playoff appearances including an NBA Finals berth in 2007. In 2010 he made the highly publicized move to the Miami Heat where he won two NBA championships in 2012 and 2013. His time in Miami solidified him as one of the all-time greats. In 2014 he returned to Cleveland and led the Cavs to their first NBA championship in 2016, coming back from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals.LeBron’s move to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 was the next chapter of his career. He won his 4th NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020 and further cemented his legacy. Throughout his career, he’s been known for his versatility, basketball IQ, and leadership on and off the court. He’s the all-time leading scorer in NBA history and has been NBA MVP 4 times.
Rich Paul, the founder of Klutch Sports Group, has been a pivotal figure in both LeBron and Bronny James' careers. His journey from a jersey salesman to one of the most powerful sports agents in the world is a testament to the greatness of his business acumen and strategic thinking.
Rich Paul was born on December 16, 1981, in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up in a one-bedroom apartment above his father's store, R & J Confectionery, in a neighborhood on the east side of Cleveland. After his father's death from cancer in 1999, Paul was mentored by his good, Andy Hyman, the owner of Distant Replays, on selling vintage jerseys. This experience laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit. Paul met LeBron James at the Akron-Canton Airport in 2002, where James was impressed by Paul's authentic Warren Moon throwback jersey. This chance encounter led to a lasting friendship and business partnership. When LeBron was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, he hired Paul as his agent, initially paying him $50,000 annually. Paul worked under the legendary Leon Rose at the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) before founding Klutch Sports Group in 2012.
Klutch Sports Group quickly rose to prominence under Paul's leadership. The agency represents some of the biggest names in the NBA, including Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, De'Aaron Fox, and Trae Young. In 2019, United Talent Agency (UTA) made a significant investment in Klutch Sports, and Paul was named head of sports at UTA.Paul's approach to athlete representation is unique and personal, focusing on empowering athletes to build careers and brands on and off the court. He has been instrumental in negotiating lucrative contracts for his clients, including a $200 million deal for Cleveland star Darius Garland and a $97.1 million contract for LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rich Paul’s strategic approach was evident in Bronny James’ pre-draft process. Paul limited Bronny’s workouts to only two teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, to ensure the right fit for his client. This strategy is not new for Paul, who has employed similar tactics with other clients requiring development, such as Talen Horton-Tucker and Brandon Boston Jr. Paul emphasized that Bronny’s development was a priority and that he was not interested in two-way contracts, which restrict players to 45 days on the NBA roster and the remainder of the season in the G League. Two-way contracts offer a salary equal to half the rookie minimum, which was not suitable for Bronny's career goals. He made it clear to NBA teams that if they were not willing to offer a genuine deal, there was no point in further discussions. Paul’s influence extended to the draft itself, where he reportedly advised teams against selecting Bronny James unless they were committed to his development. This strategic maneuvering ensured that Bronny would land in a situation conducive to his growth as a player.
The LeBron and Bronny James dynamic is one of a kind in sports. LeBron has been a guiding presence in Bronny’s career, offering support and guidance while allowing him to find his way. Playing together in the NBA is a special bonus as it’s a rare and historic opportunity. James's playing style, characterized by his basketball IQ, shooting and defensive abilities, and his skills as a passer, has greatly influenced Bronny's development. LeBron has talked about wanting to play with Bronny in the NBA and now that dream is closer to reality with Bronny being drafted by the Lakers this summer. The father-son duo will create special moments on the court and inspire future generations of ballers.
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Bronny’s NBA journey has just begun. He may start the first half of his pro career in the G League to further develop his game but the growth and opportunity to play with his father are huge milestones. The Lakers development program and his family will be key in shaping Bronny’s NBA journey.LeBron is in the twilight of his career and is still playing at an elite level. His legacy is cemented and with his son on the Lakers, it’s a new chapter in his career. The James family's legacy of greatness in the NBA will continue with Bronny making his mark in the league.
Final Thoughts
Bronny James’ path to the NBA is his own, even with his father’s legacy attached to him. From high school star to college player, overcoming health issues and getting drafted by the Lakers, it’s a wild story. As he steps on the NBA court the world will be watching to see what’s next in the James family saga. Bronny and LeBron James’ journey is about the father-son dynamic, the challenges and triumphs of being a pro athlete, and the legacy of one of basketball’s most famous families. The future is bright for Bronny James and his father's team story is just beginning.