Eyebrows were raised recently when LeBron's son, Bronny James declared eligibility for this year's NBA Draft, not only are there questions following health issues that cut his season short with the USC Trojans this year, but there are also questions about numbers.
The cardiac arrest that James suffered last July was a huge setback and serves as a legitimate reason why his freshman stats have been underwhelming. Even more surprising, then, that he would choose to make the drastic jump straight to the league rather than gain valuable experience and demonstrate his potential in the NCAA for another couple of years - but perhaps less of a shock when you consider what a potential NBA franchise could be gaining by drafting him...
LeBron James Sr has made it no secret that one of his biggest basketball desires is to hoop alongside his son. This feat of competing as a father-son duo in pro sports has only been previously achieved in baseball, most famously with Ken Griffey Senior, and Junior - who played on the Seattle Mariners in 1990.
Clearly, LeBron desires to compete alongside his son, rather than against him. In a recent quote, he also referred to the fact that 20 years + in the league is taking its toll on his (almost) 40-year-old body. The clock is ticking, and if LBJ wants to achieve his final milestone, then 2024-25 may just be the last opportunity to do it.
I do not doubt that this conversation in the James household has triggered Bronny's decision. I also believe it's highly likely that he'll be drafted - but not by the Los Angeles Lakers. The team's underachievements this season, not least being swept in the first round of the playoffs, have seen LeBron looking frustrated and potentially ready to move on.
Picture this: The Cleveland Cavs draft Bronny James, with the understanding that his dad will come as part of the deal. The ultimate NBA draft package. LeBron gets to play his farewell season in the city where it all began, and does so while achieving his ultimate dream of playing alongside his son. Cleveland has a sold-out season with the NBA's biggest superstar (who is still arguably the best in the league), potentially taking an already strong Cavalier squad deep into the 2025 NBA playoffs. It probably wouldn't mean a storybook championship ending, but regardless, everyone's a winner. Bada bing bada boom.
All things considered, Bronny James' decision to enter this year's draft isn't actually surprising at all, and launching your NBA career by helping one of the best ever to achieve his ultimate goal isn't a bad start. I doubt he'll have the career that his dad did, but he can enjoy being part of one of the most storied NBA narratives ever. Do your thing, Bronny!
