Bronny James will not return to college and remain in the 2024 NBA Draft, his agent Rich Paul has confirmed.
James – son of Lakers legend LeBron – is the No. 54 pick in next month’s draft and there had been some discussion about whether he would return to college for another year.
But now he has renounced his remaining college eligibility and confirmed his desire to be drafted, according to his agent – and wife of pop star Adele – Rich Paul.
Speaking to ESPN, Paul said: “Bronny’s [draft] range is wide. He is a very good prospect with a lot of room for growth. Only one team is needed.
‘I don’t care where that team is, it could be number 1 or number 58, [but] For me it’s about the plan, the development. The team’s strategy, the opportunities and the financial commitment. That’s why I don’t do a two-way deal. Every team understands that.’
James attended a pro day at the Lakers’ practice facility last week but is not expected to be picked in the first round of the NBA Draft, which takes place on June 26.
His lone season at USC was derailed by cardiac arrest he suffered during practice last July, and he remained out of action until mid-December.
From then on, he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game.
He has now been medically cleared to play in the NBA and was a full participant in the draft combine earlier this month.
He was closely watched by his father LeBron and mother Savannah at that event, and his agent has revealed that “a lot of teams have been calling about him” ahead of the draft.
The Lakers are of course one of the most talked about options for Bronny as it would allow him to play alongside his father.
“The Lakers have to look at Bronny like everyone else,” Paul told ESPN. “If they like him enough and he’s there, that’s great. If it’s not the Lakers, that’s great.
‘I won’t be angry if it isn’t. Obviously people hear the conversation around the father and son playing together, but that’s not our focus. If it happens organically, great. I don’t build on that.
“I don’t place unrealistic expectations on Bronny. He is far from a finished product. But he’s off to a great start. He is well positioned.
“I don’t see him not being called up, but if it gets to a point where the situations don’t make sense anymore and we don’t need to be called up anymore, that’s fine.”