How Bronny James’ Draft Stock Has Fallen And What It Means For His NBA Future

Bronny James, the son of Lakers legend LeBron James, is no longer listed on ESPN’s mock draft for 2024, and is now projected to be a second-round pick in 2025. This is a significant drop for the USC freshman, who was once considered a lottery pick in his high school class. What happened to Bronny James’ draft hype, and what are his chances of making it to the NBA?

Bronny James, who plays as a versatile wing, has faced several challenges in his college career, such as a cardiac arrest that sidelined him for months, a wrist injury that limited his playing time, and hostile crowds that booed him at every game. His stats have been underwhelming, averaging only 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game on 38.6% shooting. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, who ranked Bronny as the No. 39 prospect in the 2025 draft class, noted that he still needs to improve his shooting, ball-handling, and decision-making skills.

However, Bronny James still has some factors working in his favor, such as his pedigree, his potential, and his popularity. He is the son of one of the greatest players of all time, who has expressed his desire to play with him in the NBA. He has shown flashes of talent and athleticism, especially in his senior year at Sierra Canyon, where he led his team to a state championship. He has a huge fan base and social media following, which could boost his marketability and appeal to some teams.

Bronny James could still declare for the 2024 NBA draft, which may be his best chance to fulfill his father’s dream of playing together in the league. LeBron James, who is 39 years old and has a player option for next season, could either stay with the Lakers or join another team that drafts or trades for his son. Some teams, such as the Miami Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Toronto Raptors, have reportedly shown interest in Bronny James for this reason.

Alternatively, Bronny James could stay in college for another year or more, which could benefit his development and maturity, as well as avoid the pressure and scrutiny of being compared to his father at such a young age. He could also increase his chances of being drafted by the Lakers, who currently have only one future first-round pick available to trade, but will have three more starting from the day of the 2024 draft.

Ultimately, the decision is up to Bronny James, who has to weigh his options and his goals. He has the opportunity to make history by playing with his father in the NBA, but he also has the risk of falling short of expectations and being overshadowed by his legacy. He has the potential to be a solid NBA player, but he also has the need to work on his game and prove himself. He has the support of his family, his fans, and his mentors, but he also has the challenge of carving his own path and finding his own identity.