Bronny James, the eldest son of LeBron James, made the decision to enter the NBA Draft after just one season at USC. According to his agent, Rich Paul, the decision was entirely Bronny’s own.
Bronny was selected at No. 55 by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft. Despite the expectations placed on him as LeBron’s son, Paul insists there was no external pressure for Bronny to go pro. “Nobody pressured Bronny to go pro,” Paul told ESPN’s Baxter Holmes. “Bronny had a choice to stay at USC, to transfer, or to go pro.”
Paul’s remarks come amid public and private criticism surrounding Bronny’s decision. Some observers have questioned whether the young player was ready for the NBA, given his modest college performance. During his lone season at USC, Bronny averaged just 4.8 points per game, ranking eighth on the team in scoring.
Bronny’s transition to the professional ranks continued to draw attention during the NBA Summer League, where his performance remained under the spotlight. He averaged 8.8 points per game while shooting 35% from the field and just 15.8% from beyond the arc.
In the preseason, Bronny faced further scrutiny. Across the first two games, he managed only two points, a performance that sparked more debate about his readiness for the NBA. Critics have voiced concerns about his ability to handle the demands of the league, particularly in light of his father’s monumental career and the inevitable comparisons.
LeBron James, who has publicly expressed his desire to play alongside his son in the NBA, has shown support for Bronny’s career choices.
