LeBron James could potentially team up with his son in the NBA as USC freshman Bronny James recently declared his entry for the 2024 NBA Draft.

In an emotional message posted on Instagram, Bronny James, a USC freshman, shared his decision to enter the 2024 NBA Draft while preserving his college eligibility, simultaneously announcing his move to the NCAA portal for the upcoming season.

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“I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft, while maintaining my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA portal,” said James on his personal Instagram account. “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.”

Bronny James, son of NBA luminary LeBron James, concluded his inaugural season as a member of USC Trojans. Aged 19, James participated in 25 out of the Trojans’ 33 games. With a 15-18 season record, Bronny secured a starting position merely six times.

Throughout his first year, he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, predominantly serving as a bench player behind guards Boogie Ellis and Isaiah Collier.

Bronny entered the NCAA Transfer Portal earlier this week

Initially touted as a potential lottery selection in this year’s draft, his statistics dwindled due to limited game time. Despite being LeBron James’ offspring, this could impact his draft prospects.

Nevertheless, Bronny possesses exceptional basketball skills and might require more opportunities to showcase his talent. Perhaps NBA general managers have already glimpsed his innate abilities.

While maintaining an average of 19.4 minutes per game, Bronny delivered a remarkable performance during USC’s defeat against Oregon State in late December. This highlighted display saw James concluding with 15 points on 6-11 shooting off the bench.

Deliberating his options, James disclosed his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal. While a prospective collaboration with his father in the NBA would be groundbreaking, resuming his college basketball journey offers him the chance to refine his abilities and amass further experience.

The transition of former Trojans head coach Andy Enfield to the SMU Mustangs did not catch many by surprise. Following an 11-year tenure, his departure signals anticipated significant alterations to the team roster.

Coaching alterations can significantly impact players, exemplified by Nick Saban‘s exit from Alabama football. Subsequently, Eric Musselman, the former Arkansas head coach, was appointed to succeed Enfield.

Bronny James overcame challenges this year

In a social media post, Bronny acknowledged encountering “some ups and downs” over the past year. In late July, James endured a cardiac episode, which prompted LeBron James to disclose that his son underwent surgery for a congenital heart anomaly.

Despite uncertainty regarding his future during the summer, medical professionals subsequently cleared him to resume his beloved sport.

The 6-foot-4 guard returned to USC, marking his collegiate debut against Long Beach State on Dec. 10.

Per Athletics’ Shams Charania, James’ decision to declare for the draft while preserving NCAA eligibility presents him with multiple alternatives. Charania further added that James intends to “work out for and visit NBA teams and make a decision based on evaluation.”

An All-American recipient in high school, James, a four-star recruit from Sierra Canyon, faces ambiguous prospects as he contemplates potential engagement in the NBA G-League before transitioning to the grand stage.

While LeBron James harbors a desire to compete alongside his son in the NBA, returning to NCAA basketball might be a more favorable route for Bronny.

A return to college would offer him an opportunity to assess NBA criteria and his prowess against rivals. Furthermore, choosing to resume collegiate basketball could present a multitude of recruitment avenues for him. Though he intends to partake in NBA team assessments, he retains the liberty to withdraw from the NBA Draft until Jun. 16.

LeBron James: “I got to be on the floor with Bronny”

Following Bronny James’ entry into the NCAA transfer portal earlier this week, LeBron James shared his sentiments with Lakers journalist Jovan Buha subsequent to the Lakers’ 128-111 triumph over Toronto.

“Bronny is his own man,” said James. “He has a tough decision to make.  When he’s ready to make those decisions he’ll let us all know. But as his family, we’ll support whatever he does.”

Irrespective of the outcome, Bronny enjoys the backing of the esteemed LeBron James, who is positioned to become a free agent by the year’s conclusion. Despite the uncertain future, Bronny possesses the talent to thrive in the NBA.

If Bronny elects to pursue an NBA career, both he and LeBron have the potential to etch their names in history. They could become the first father-son duo to concurrently grace the NBA arena.