USC's Bronny James entering transfer portal, NBA draft

Field Level Media|published: Fri 5th April, 11:45 2024

Mar 13, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC Trojans guard Bronny James (6) returns to the bench in a game against the Washington Huskies during the second half at T-Mobile Arena. credits: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Bronny James is entering both the NCAA transfer portal and the 2024 NBA Draft, he announced Friday.

The oldest son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, he spent his freshman season at Southern California, but things didn't turn out as the family hoped they would.

Bronny James suffered cardiac arrest during a practice in July and subsequently underwent a procedure to address a congenital heart defect. He didn't make his college debut until Dec. 10.

A 6-foot-4 guard, James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, shooting 36.6 percent from the field over 19.3 minutes.

"I've had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete," he posted on Instagram.

"Thank you to USC for an amazing Freshman year, and as always thankful for my family, friends, doctors, athletic trainers and fans for their support."

As a prospect, James was ranked as the No. 6 combo guard and the No. 28 overall player in the 2023 class by 24Sports.

ESPN reported Friday that James intends to meet with "targeted" teams for interviews and workouts before the June 16 deadline to pull out of the draft. He'll use the feedback he receives to decide whether to remain in the draft.

He also must be cleared by the league's Fitness to Play panel before participating in any NBA events, such as the scouting combine or being drafted, because of his medical history.

USC coach Andy Enfield departed this week for the head coach job at SMU. Following Enfield's departure, LeBron James said his 19-year-old son had "some tough decisions to make."

"At the end of the day, Bronny's his own man," the elder James said.

"He has some tough decisions to make, and when he's ready to make those decisions, he'll let us all know. But as his family, we're going to support whatever he does."

—Field Level Media