USC freshman wing Bronny James —the eldest son of Los Angeles Lakers megastar LeBron James —will enter the transfer portal, per Dick Weiss of the NY Daily News. Primarily playing off the bench behind Boogie Ellis and Isaiah Collier, James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 steals in 19.3 minutes per game (25 games).
Bronny James Makes Major USC Decision
Passive, inefficient, and unconfident, James could not make much of a positive impression for the Trojans offensively. On the one hand, James’ performance wasn’t entirely surprising. Like his father, he’s long been considered too willing a passer. His woeful shooting numbers from deep were unexpected though, as James made just 26.7 percent of his 3s.
He has several tools on the defensive end that make him a more promising prospect though. His tenacity, technique, size, and athleticism in the backcourt can translate to the NBA level. This thinking has led to questions about whether James will declare for the 2024 NBA Draft.
Many believe he needs more reps, including former NBA star Stephon Marbury. To that point, increased opportunities could be on James’ mind. Ellis —a fifth-year senior —is set to graduate and Collier is expected to declare for the draft. However, USC already has a pair of four-star commits in the Class of 2024, both of whom play at the wing.
James could feel misused in head coach Andy Enfield’s offense. He usually plays off-ball with the Trojans because of his potential as a catch-and-shoot threat. Yet, his best offensive skill may be his playmaking due to his passing ability and basketball IQ.
He’s been compared to oft-injured 3-and-D wing Gary Harris. However, James’ skillset is closer to that of Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso.
Where to Next?
If James should transfer, Oregon and Ohio State may be shortlisted. Both teams were among the favorites to land James before he chose to go to USC.
At Oregon, James could reunite with point guard Jackson Shelstad and forward Kwame Evans. James quickly developed a connection with Shelstad at Team USA camp last summer. Evans was his teammate at Sierra Canyon and the two still maintain a friendship.
Born in Akron, where his father was born and starred at St. Vincent-St. Mary before going on to win a championship with the home state Cleveland Cavaliers, his connection to Ohio State is also sentimental. However, the Buckeyes have proven themselves capable of developing prospects at an NBA level. Since 2022, two Buckeyes —Malaki Branham and Keita Bates-Diop —have been drafted in the first round.
LeBron James Speaks
On Tuesday, LeBron addressed the unconfirmed reports of Bronny’s transfer:
“At the end of the day, Bronny’s his own man and he has some tough decisions to make,” he says, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “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.”
LeBron James says his son Bronny has some “tough decisions” coming up and the family will support him no matter what he decides. pic.twitter.com/q9uOw9LHOp
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 3, 2024
The younger James, now 19, suffered a cardiac arrest last summer during a Trojans practice. From that standpoint, his freshman season wasn’t subpar. It was miraculous. Nonetheless, his father’s stature had led to high expectations for him and his younger brother Bryce Maximus James.
Now, the world waits to figure out where both father and son will continue to their basketball future.
