In the midst of brow-raising performance at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, USC wing Bronny James turned heads again on Day 2. This time, it wasn’t because of his athletic feats or shooting touch, but candid comments about whether he’s been dreaming about teaming up with his father. Given the number of teams interested in drafting him to make them a more attractive free agent destination for LeBron James, it’s an appropriate question.
“No, never,” James says, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. “My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself and get to the NBA, which is everyone’s end goal that’s here.
I asked Bronny James if it’s his dream to play with his dad, LeBron James. He replied, “No, never. My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself, and get to the NBA, which is everyone’s end goal that’s here. I never thought about just playing with my… pic.twitter.com/jt6yZn0VkX
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 14, 2024
“I never thought about just playing with my dad, but of course he’s brought it up a couple of times.” he laughs. “But yeah, I don’t think about it much.”
Bronny James Sets Record Straight About Dreams to Play with Dad
These comments may come as a surprise given his father’s well-documented interested in joining forces. However, even last year, the elder James made it clear that his son may not be dreaming about them being on the same team:
“I’ve done what I’ve had to do in this league, and my son is going to take his journey,” he said, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “And whatever his journey, however his journey lays out, he’s going to do what’s best for him… So, just because that’s my aspiration or my goal, doesn’t mean it’s his. And I’m absolutely OK with that.”
Don’t take this as there being any kind of rift or distance between the two.
Last October, James said his father was his favorite basketball of all-time, which only makes sense given his success and their bond.
His answer is worth the wait 😂 pic.twitter.com/6Aom8w5DrH
— USC Men’s Basketball (@USC_Hoops) October 30, 2023
That said, there as many people who want to play against their idol as there are people who want to play alongside them. Perhaps James is one of them.
If so, teams may need to reconsider their idea about drafting James as free agency bait. Of course, the opportunity could have a draw to the King. Nonetheless, since he doesn’t want to intrude upon his son’s dreams, there’s also reason to believe it would repel him.
