LeBron James Addresses Son Bronny's NBA Draft Projection

LeBron James on Bronny draft projection: ‘Let the kid be a kid’

LeBron James recently took to social media to express his thoughts on the speculation surrounding his son Bronny's readiness for the NBA. In response to a report that ESPN removed Bronny from its 2024 NBA mock draft and projected him for the 2025 draft, LeBron wrote, 'Can y’all please just let the kid be a kid and enjoy college basketball.'

LeBron emphasized that Bronny's work and results on the court will ultimately prove his talents, regardless of what the mock drafts say. He encouraged other aspiring young players to stay focused and not get caught up in the mock draft hype, emphasizing that hard work is the only thing that matters.

Reports have also surfaced that the Los Angeles Lakers are considering adding Bronny to their roster in the future in an effort to play with LeBron before his retirement. Bronny, currently a freshman at USC, has been averaging 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game this season.

Is Bronny a legitimate NBA Draft prospect?

While Bronny has potential as a future draft prospect, his current game does not warrant consideration for the 2024 NBA Draft. He is an undersized guard with limited ball handling skills and struggles to create opportunities on offense. However, he possesses athleticism and defensive intensity that could develop further in the future.

Bronny has shown improvement as a perimeter shooter and has the potential to be a strong perimeter defender. However, his shooting consistency and ability to handle the ball need further development. Scouts may be skeptical of his listed height, as he appears closer to 6-foot-2 rather than 6-foot-4.

Based on his current skill set, it would be difficult for scouts to buy into the bet of Bronny's improvement at the professional level next season. It would likely be in his best interest to continue playing college basketball and focus on his development.

Why has Bronny James never been a first-round pick on mock drafts?

Bronny's current game and flaws have been evident this season, leading to his absence from first-round projections on mock drafts. While some NBA evaluators believed he had the potential to be a one-and-done player, many teams did not have a high-grade on him entering the season.

Teams prioritize baseline grades on players to determine who to scout early in the season, and Bronny was often seen as a multi-year college player with intriguing upside rather than an immediate first-round prospect. His cardiac arrest experience over the summer also affected his progression and development on the court.

Should Bronny enter the draft even if he's not a real prospect yet?

The decision whether Bronny should enter the draft ultimately lies with him and his family. If playing alongside LeBron on an NBA court is a priority, as reported by The Athletic, LeBron's influence and connections could potentially secure a draft position for Bronny, regardless of his current skill level.

However, it's important to consider Bronny's overall development as a player. Entering the draft may hinder his opportunities for necessary on-ball reps and improvement at the professional level. Staying in college or finding a situation that fosters his development better may be a more beneficial path for his future.