Bronny James: NBA Bound Whether You Like It Or Not

Intro

Bronny James was just drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. While many fans cry nepotism, the entire situation requires a deeper dive into how we got to this point. From Cleveland to Sierra Canyon, and USC to the Lakers, Bronny has had quite a ride. Today, we peel back the curtain and offer our opinion on the newest Laker. 

Early Life

Bronny James at the 2012 Miami Heat Championship Parade

​Bronny James, whose full name is LeBron Raymone James Jr., was born on October 6, 2004, in Cleveland, Ohio. As the son of LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and Savannah Brinson, Bronny was introduced to basketball at a very young age. Growing up in a household where basketball was a central theme, Bronny's early exposure to the sport was both inevitable and influential.

From a young age, Bronny showed a keen interest in basketball, often seen attending his father's games and participating in basketball-related activities. LeBron and Savannah were mindful of allowing Bronny to develop his own passion for the game rather than feeling pressured to follow in his father's footsteps. This balanced approach helped Bronny cultivate a genuine love for basketball.

The North Coast Blue Chips

Bronny exploded on the national scene as a member of the 14U North Coast Blue Chips AAU team, which was loaded with talent. Teaming with Jahzare Jackson, Gabe Cupps, Mikey Williams, and others, the squad produced many memorable highlights during the summer of 2018. 

At a time when social media and basketball were colliding, many content creators followed this team around the country given their virality. 

Moving to California

Bronny playing AAU in 2019

In 2018, LeBron signed with the Lakers and moved the family to Southern California.

​Bronny enrolled at Crossroads School, a prestigious private school in Santa Monica, and home to many famous alums, including Baron Davis. During his time at Crossroads, he continued to hone his skills and showcase his potential. Bronny's versatility, basketball IQ, and natural athleticism made him a standout player among his peers. His ability to play multiple positions and his understanding of the game were advanced for his age, indicating a promising future.

He transferred to Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California, in 2019. Sierra Canyon is known for its strong basketball program and has produced several NBA players. Joining Sierra Canyon provided Bronny with the opportunity to compete at a higher level and gain valuable experience against top-tier competition.

During his freshman year, Bronny played alongside other highly regarded prospects, including Zaire Wade, the son of NBA legend Dwyane Wade. The team's roster was stacked with talent, and they quickly became a national sensation. Despite the high expectations and media scrutiny, Bronny handled the pressure with poise and maturity.

Bronny's sophomore year at Sierra Canyon was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a shortened season and limited opportunities for high school athletes across the country. Nevertheless, Bronny continued to work on his game, often training with his father and other NBA players. This period of adversity further highlighted his dedication and resilience.

In his junior year, Bronny's role on the team expanded, and he continued to make strides in his development. He demonstrated improved shooting, ball-handling, and defensive skills. His ability to contribute in various aspects of the game made him a valuable asset to Sierra Canyon. Despite facing strong competition, Bronny consistently showed flashes of brilliance that underscored his potential to become a star.

In the fall of his senior year, Bronny would sign NIL deals with Nike and Beats by Dre, becoming their first high-school sponsored athlete. 

Bronny would finish his high school career as the 20th best prospect in the nation according to ESPN and a consensus 4-star recruit. Opting to stay close to home, Bronny chose to take his talents to USC and suit up for coach, Andy Enfield. 

A Bump in the Road

Before fall practice had even begun, Bronny experienced a significant health scare when he suffered a cardiac arrest on July 24, 2023, during a summer practice on campus. This incident was a moment of great concern for his family, teammates, and the broader basketball community, highlighting the potential health risks even young, elite athletes can face.

Immediate medical attention was provided by the on-site medical staff, who performed CPR and used a defibrillator to restore his heartbeat. Bronny was then rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was treated in the intensive care unit. The quick response and advanced medical care he received were crucial in stabilizing his condition.

Following his collapse, Bronny underwent a series of comprehensive medical evaluations to determine the cause of his cardiac arrest. These evaluations included a variety of diagnostic tests such as electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiograms, and possibly cardiac MRI and genetic testing. The specific details of Bronny's diagnosis were kept private initially, but it was later revealed that he had a congenital heart defect.

The medical team treating Bronny concluded that he had an anatomically and functionally significant congenital heart defect, which can cause irregular heart rhythms and increase the risk of cardiac arrest, especially during intense physical activity. This condition, while rare, is not unprecedented among young athletes.

Bronny was discharged from the hospital several days after the incident and continued his recovery at home. His rehabilitation involved rest and careful monitoring by his healthcare providers. The focus was on ensuring his heart health and determining the appropriate steps for his return to physical activity, including basketball.

The Comeback

Bronny was cleared to return to basketball activities on November 30th and would make his first appearance in a USC uniform on December 10th. 

Despite averaging just 4.8 points per game in 25 outings, James announced that he would forgo his college eligibility and enter the 2024 NBA Draft. 

Draft Night

Bronny James was selected in last week's NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 55th pick in the Second Round. 

Agent Rich Paul announced today that he had signed a four year contract worth $7.9 million. The contract includes a team option in year four. 

James plans to suit up for LA in the NBA's Summer League, which kicks off a week from today on July 10th. 

Our Take

For months, NBA pundits argued over Bronny's "draftability." Measuring just 6'1.5" at the combine, Bronny's height certainly does him no favors. On the flip side, his 6'7.25" wingspan helps make up for it. Bronny's max vertical jump was 40.5, which ranked 6th amongst participants at the combine. 

Objectively, you have an undersized guard with good athleticism, limited experience, and genetics on his side. 

Was he one of the top 60 players available in the draft? My honest answer is no, with a caveat that sports talent is always in the eye of the beholder. 

Did nepotism play a role here? Of course it did. 

Does it play a role in corporate America? Of course it does. 

Whether Bronny succeeds in the future now has nothing to do with his draft position. He'll have opportunities in LA, pressure packed ones at that, and eventually the luster of being "LeBron's son" will wear off. 

I sincerely hope Bronny succeeds, on his own merit, as a basketball player. He'll undoubtedly have endorsement and media opportunities (that would have already set up the average person for life). So, this isn't about money. It's about putting those long (and often lonely) hours into your craft and having a few bounces go your way:)

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