LeBron “Bronny” James Jr. will exit the University of Southern California’s Men’s Basketball program after one season. James Jr., son of four-time NBA Champion LeBron James, shared the news via Instagram on Friday, April 5.
“I’ve made a decision to enter the NBA Draft while still maintaining my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA transfer portal. 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,” he stated.
James Jr. was a four-star recruit, standing 6’4 and weighing 210 pounds entering his freshman year at USC. However, the incoming freshman guard went into cardiac arrest prior to the season opener, sidelining him temporarily. After returning to the court, the 19-year-old guard managed to play in 25 games while 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. The Trojans finished with 15-18 record, losing to the University of Arizona Wildcats in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
James Jr. is currently projected as a second-round pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. Still, modern NCAA rules allow the prospect to maintain his remaining eligibility and return to college next season at a different university if he so chooses. He, nor his family, have indicated whether or not he will prefer to enter the draft or return to college with a different program.
