LeBron James captured headlines everywhere at 2022 NBA All-Star weekend in Cleveland with his quote about wanting to finish his career playing alongside his son.
“My last year will be played with my son,” James told The Athletic's Jason Lloyd. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”
James, 38, is averaging 26.2 points per game in his 20th season in the NBA. He doesn't look like he's slowing down any time soon, meaning he'll almost certainly still be a major factor by the time his son, Bronny, is ready for the NBA.
Bronny James has begun his senior season at the powerhouse Los Angeles prep high school, Sierra Canyon.
Bronny will be in the national spotlight on Dec. 12 when Sierra Canyon hosts Kiyan Anthony and Christ the King, acting as a "part two" of the legendary high school matchup between their fathers, LeBron and Carmelo.
MORE: How to watch Bronny James vs. Kiyan Anthony: Sons of LeBron and Carmelo
The matchup will likely have viewers wondering everything from, "When is LeBron's son NBA Draft-eligible?" to "How good is LeBron's son?" or "Will LeBron's son even make the NBA?"
We have answers to all of those questions below.
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Bronny James scouting report
Age: 18
Height, weight: 6-3, 190 lbs.
Class of 2023 rank: 34th (four-star) on ESPN's Top 100
It has been an unorthodox high school career for James to this point. He played in every game for Sierra Canyon as a freshman but the coronavirus pandemic delayed the start of his sophomore year. Even though games weren't being played at the time, James tore his meniscus in February of his sophomore season, requiring surgery.
When the shortened season tipped off in the Spring, James hadn't recovered yet but eventually suited up for Sierra Canyon in the postseason.
His junior year was his first full season back from injury, but playing alongside ESPN Top 100-level seniors like No. 2-ranked, five-star UCLA commit Amari Bailey and four-star prospects like USC commit Kijani Wright and Nebraska commit Ramel Lloyd, James wasn't always in the limelight the way you might expect.
He had some highs like an 18-point performance against an elite Chicago school, Glenbard West. He also had his lows, like being held scoreless when Sierra Canyon was eliminated in the California state tournament (CIF Southern Section Open).
The best way to describe Bronny's role on his Sierra Canyon team prior to his senior year: He was a perennial starter and elite perimeter defender but played a reserved offensive role as a shooter and secondary scorer and playmaker.
As a 6-3 18-year-old, James already has good size and when you consider LeBron is 6-8, it's probably safe to assume he'll grow even more by the time he enters the draft process. He doesn't have the wingspan his father does, but Bronny already uses his quick feet and strength to his advantage on the defensive end, shutting off opposing drives with ease.
He has good hands and keen instincts to fill passing lanes, turning defense into offense in a hurry with his breakaway speed or savvy passing ability to run in transition.
"Feel for the game" is something you'll commonly read when it comes to Bronny and I believe that intangible skill will come to the forefront when he gets a chance to take over as a team's primary offensive initiator.
James can play either the one or the two, but he spent most of his junior season as an off-ball scorer and shooter. His jumpshot mechanics are smooth. He didn't shoot all that consistently during his junior season, but he has already shown improvements in his long-range shot to start his senior year.
Bronny James keeps getting better! Knocked down 6 threes on his way to 25 points last night 👀 @KingJames pic.twitter.com/ZIeX1gISgX
— Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) December 1, 2022
He has flashes where he shows his burst and athleticism to go downhill and get to the rim, but he doesn't attack as often as he could. He's an ambidextrous finisher and has steady body control. As he grows into his body, don't be surprised to see James get aggressive and put pressure on the rim more often.
Bronny James. 🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 5, 2021
pic.twitter.com/hATE4pxF3l
There is still a lot to be determined when it comes to the type of player Bronny could be. As you would expect from the son of arguably the greatest player of all time, the skill and IQ are already in place. The next step is fine-tuning those tools and growing his game as his body becomes more developed.
As mentioned above, he is currently a four-star recruit and the 34th-ranked player in his high school class. He already has several offers from high-major Division-I programs and it's clear he has NBA potential but there are still improvements to be made before he reaches — and succeeds — at that stage.
Bronny James' recruiting interest
Bronny's recruiting process has been unique compared to most high school stars. His official visits (aside from Ohio State) and offers have been very private, leaving a lot of uncertainty around his potential commitment.
Reliable recruiting services like 247Sports and ESPN even have different information in regard to the schools that have offered LeBron's son.
According to 247Sports, Bronny has received official offers from Memphis, Ohio State and USC, while Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina and Oregon are listed as schools that are interested in the 18-year-old.
Meanwhile, ESPN's recruiting database suggests that Bronny has already received offers from Kentucky, Michigan and Oregon in addition to Memphis, Ohio State and USC.
ESPN also has UCLA listed as a school that is interested in the combo guard.
When will Bronny James make his college commitment?
In mid-November, Forbes Sports' Adam Zagoria reported that a source said Bronny "likely won't sign until the Spring."
The final date of the NCAA Early Signing Period was Nov. 16, so James already missed that window.
Bronny's senior season at Sierra Canyon is already underway and the standout guard is expected to wait until the season concludes to make a decision.
When is Bronny James NBA Draft eligible?
James will first be eligible for the NBA Draft in 2024. He is an 18-year-old senior at Sierra Canyon this season in 2022-23.
