Bronny James will waive his college eligibility to remain in the 2024 NBA Draft, according to his agent Rich Paul.
The son of NBA icon LeBron James has had plenty of eyes on his career given his father’s fortune and fame.
He enrolled with USC last year but suffered a cardiac arrest during a practice session caused by a congenital heart defect.
James was originally projected as a top-10 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but he was sidelined for five months before making his collegiate debut in December.
LeBron James is hopeful of playing in the NBA with his son
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He ended the season averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game.
James’ NBA hopes were helped even further when he was medically cleared by the organisation’s Fitness to Play Panel prior to the combine earlier this month.
There was still a small chance that James would make a U-turn on his plans to declare for the draft and return for another college season to help his draft position.
However, Klutch Sports CEO Paul insists the 19-year-old has already made up his mind ahead of the NCAA deadline on Wednesday.
Paul told ESPN: “He’s staying in the draft.”
LeBron reacted to the news on Instagram with one post including the caption: “BRONNY STAYING IN DRAFT!”
Paul, who also works with LeBron, is hopeful James will be taken in the draft on June 26.
“Bronny’s [draft] range is wide,” he added.
Bronny James made his college debut in December
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“He’s a really good prospect who has a lot of room for growth. It only takes one team.
“I don’t care where that team is — it can be No 1 or 58 — [but] I do care about the plan, the development.
“The team’s strategy, the opportunity and the financial commitment.
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“That’s why I’m not doing a two-way deal. Every team understands that.”
James was snapped working out at the Los Angeles Lakers’ practice facility last week with plenty of people in attendance.
There’s been a strong inclination that he will end up with the Lakers, but Paul doesn’t mind where the teenager ends up going.
“The Lakers need to look at Bronny like everyone else,” Paul told ESPN.
“If they value him enough and he’s there, that’s great. If it’s not the Lakers, that’s great. I won’t be mad if it’s not. It’s obvious that people hear the conversation around the dad and son playing together, but that’s not our focus. If it happens organically, great. I’m not building on that.”