Report: Bronny James officially staying in NBA draft

Field Level Media|published: Wed 29th May, 20:57 2024

May 14, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Bronny James talks to the media during the 2024 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Southern California guard Bronny James, son of NBA star LeBron James, will give up his remaining college eligibility and stay in the 2024 NBA Draft, ESPN reported Wednesday.

Players who previously declared for the draft can bow out until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, but Bronny James won't be one of them, as his agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN that he will be sticking to his decision.

Bronny James entered the draft in early April and is ranked as the No. 54 prospect in the ESPN 100.

Paul previously said that he will not let Bronny James sign with a team on a two-way deal, and he doubled down on that while speaking to ESPN.

"Bronny's (draft) range is wide," Paul said. "He's a really good prospect who has a lot of room for growth. It only takes one team. I don't care where that team is -- it can be No. 1 or 58 -- (but) I do care about the plan, the development. The team's strategy, the opportunity and the financial commitment. That's why I'm not doing a two-way deal. Every team understands that."

Earlier this month, Bronny James ranked second among 71 participants in two 3-point shooting drills at the draft combine in Chicago. He also had 13 points in a scrimmage.

In his one season with the Trojans, the 19-year-old Bronny James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 19.6 minutes across 25 games (six starts).

--Field Level Media