LeBron James’ global appeal and popularity have transcended basketball, making him a cultural icon recognized worldwide. His influence extends beyond North America, reaching fans across Europe and Asia. This international stardom has naturally focused more eyes and interest on his son, Bronny James, creating a unique spotlight for the young player even before he stepped onto an NBA court, at one point, attracting serious betting action from nations as far away as Australia, Malaysia, Brazil, and Europe for the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
The global fascination with the James family has increased media coverage and fan interest in Bronny’s career, from high school to his brief college stint and nascent NBA journey. This heightened attention has amplified expectations and scrutiny, adding extra pressure to Bronny’s development as a player.
High School and College
Bronny James’ journey to the NBA has been closely watched due to his famous father, but his path has been marked by promise and challenges. His high school career at Sierra Canyon School showcased flashes of brilliance and steady improvement. As a junior, he averaged 8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Bronny’s numbers improved significantly in his senior season, averaging 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. While his scoring ability was evident, coaches praised his defensive skills, poise, and basketball IQ. Despite the constant spotlight, Bronny showed resilience and growth throughout his high school career.
Bronny’s transition to college basketball at USC was challenging. He missed the beginning of the 2023-24 season due to a cardiac arrest incident during a summer workout. In 25 games for USC, including six starts, Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes per game. His shooting percentages were relatively low, hitting 36.6% from the field and 26.7% from three-point range. Despite the modest statistics, Bronny showed flashes of potential, particularly on defense. His college career was shorter than some expected, as he declared for the NBA draft after just one season.
Father and Son Teammates
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James with the 55th pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft, making history as the first father-son duo to play in the NBA together on the same team simultaneously. In the NBA Summer League, Bronny’s performance was a mixed bag. He averaged 7 points per game, shooting 32.7% from the field and a concerning 13% from three-point range. His first four games were particularly challenging, but he showed improvement in his final two outings. Defensively, Bronny displayed potential but showed areas needing improvement, particularly in off-ball situations.
Bronny’s NBA debut was a historic moment, as he and LeBron became the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game. They entered the game together with 4:00 left in the second quarter of the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This moment was witnessed in the stands by another famous father-son duo, Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr., who achieved a similar feat in baseball. The junior James would score his first NBA points a few nights later against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a blowout loss.
Bronny James signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract with the Lakers. The contract begins at $1,157,143 in 2024-25 and increases yearly, with a team option for the fourth year. This deal reflects the Lakers’ commitment to Bronny’s development despite his limited college experience.
As Bronny begins his NBA career, there’s a mix of excitement and skepticism. While he has shown flashes of potential, particularly on defense, he faces the challenge of living up to the immense expectations that come with his name. The Lakers’ investment in his development and the unique opportunity to play alongside his father create an intriguing narrative for his rookie season and beyond. The global interest in Bronny’s career, fueled by his father’s international popularity, ensures that his progress will be closely monitored by fans and media alike, not just in the United States but worldwide.