In one of the most polarizing draft classes in recent history, USC guard Bronny James stands out.
James came into his freshman season aiming to establish himself as a potential lottery selection. But an absence caused by a congenital heart defect, coupled with a subpar campaign on the whole for the Trojans, sunk the McDonald's All-American's draft stock.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, though, there's still plenty of interest in the younger James across NBA circles.
The Lakers brain trust is considering using a second-round selection on James, Charania said Friday on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show."
"[The Lakers] do have interest in bringing Bronny James in as a draft pick," Charania said.
"LeBron James want to play up to two more seasons & obviously the Lakers want to bring him back..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 10, 2024
They do have interest in bringing Bronny in as a draft pick" ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/SKVbqKvMBN
Such a prospect has swirled across draft forums for months, with many believing Los Angeles could dangle James in the hopes of retaining his father LeBron James for the remainder of his playing career.
Charania also reported that LeBron isn't believed to be considering retirement at this point. Instead, he is expected to play in at least two more seasons before calling it quits. In that case, a move for Bronny could, at the least, ensure James stays with the franchise for the immediate future.
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Bronny James draft projection
The Sporting News' Kyle Irving did not include Bronny James in his 60-man Big Board released prior to Sunday's NBA draft lottery. The USC guard received similar assessments from ESPN, The Ringer and Bleacher Report, all of whom left James off of their mock drafts.
That's not to say that he couldn't get drafted, though. There's an underlying belief that teams could use the younger James as a recruiting chip to bring in his father, though that choice could be viewed as demeaning to both Bronny and his perhaps more deserving draft counterparts.
MORE: Which team will draft Bronny James?
James was listed as the 39th-best prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft by ESPN's Jonathan Givony. In addition to declaring for the draft, James also entered the transfer portal. So in all likelihood, he'll be in a different jersey for the 2024-25 season.
At present, the 6-4 guard sits on the outside of the top 60 draft-eligible prospects, at least in terms of his talent level. But a strong showing at the draft combine could give him a boost.
He's shown himself to be a dogged defender and reliable shooter with above-average size and play-making skills. If he can flash improved shooting off the catch, he should get some looks from NBA scouts. Whether that will materialize into hearing his name called come draft day is an entirely different question.
DeCOURCY: Teams would spend a second round pick on Bronny, but LeBron James must know better
Bronny James scouting report
The Sporting News' Kyle Irving detailed some of James' strengths and weaknesses ahead of his USC debut in December. Many of them hold true some five months later.
Bronny James strengths
James has solid positional size as a 6-4, 210-pound combo guard. His strengths as a prospect are that of a reliable two-way guard — an intelligent defender, connective playmaker, solid 3-point shooter and vocal leader with an incredible feel for the game.
He's a tenacious on-ball defender with quick hands and feet, using his physicality and instincts to hound ball handlers and beat them to their spots. Off the ball, he does a great job of lurking like a safety, using his anticipation to jump passing lanes for steals and deflections or soar in from the help side for blocks.
James is an above-average rebounder for his position, crashing the defensive glass to push the pace in transition, where he is at his best. He accelerates smoothly like a Tesla, taking no time to get from zero to max speed. Even when he's pushing the pace, his court vision seemingly slows the game down as he decides whether to attack the rim or dish to an open teammate running the lane.
He's a capable pick-and-roll ball handler who sees the floor and makes the right read. He can pass off a live dribble with either hand or deliver lobs to rollers and cutters. He also knows when to take what the defense gives him, getting to his midrange pull-up off the bounce.
His growth as a shooter off the catch is important. He'll have plenty of looks playing off of a playmaker like Collier and scorer like Ellis to prove to NBA scouts he can knock down the 3-ball with consistency.
Bronny James weaknesses
James' biggest weakness in high school was the inconsistency of his play. On some nights, he looked like the top prospect he was projected to be. On others, he fell into the background, looking like any other guy on the floor.
Given the role he is expected to play as USC's third scoring guard, I have some concerns that this trend will continue.
He's not an assertive scorer and lacks the typical shake you see from elite guard prospects, failing to create separation from his defender. He's a reliable ball handler, but it will be important for James to get more creative as a dribbler and establish some go-to moves as a shot-creator.
His consistency as a shooter off the catch from 3-point range will be his biggest swing skill as a prospect, but he could help his draft stock even more if he can prove he can score in the midrange and at the rim more frequently.
MORE: What a Lakers reunion between LeBron, Bronny James could look like in 2024
Will LeBron James retire?
LeBron James is planning on playing basketball for at least a few more seasons, according to Charania's reporting.
It's been well-established that LeBron James is interested in playing with his son at some point, be that in 2024-25 or 2025-26. Expect to see "King" James return to the hardwood in a few months time.
