LOS ANGELES, CA. – The Los Angeles Lakers selected guard Bronny James with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft held in New York.
The recent drafting of Bronny James brings a sense of joy to the basketball community. The recent health scare involving his cardiac arrest drew significant attention, and there were genuine concerns after witnessing the numerous hospital visits by his father, LeBron James. A year later, being drafted by the Lakers, the team his father currently plays for, is a remarkable achievement; especially considering his health is stable. It is certainly a moment to celebrate for Bronny.
Born in Akron, Ohio, James is the son of current Lakers forward LeBron James.
“I am always thinking that he is my dad, because he is literally my dad,” James said. “When I am playing he is just my teammate.”
Bronny James was recognized as a McDonald’s All-American in 2023 and committed to the University of Southern California (USC) on May 6, 2023. During a summer workout, he experienced cardiac arrest and subsequently underwent a procedure to repair a congenital heart defect on July 24, 2023. He made his collegiate debut at USC on December 10, 2023. On April 5, 2024, Bronny declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and was medically cleared by the NBA’s Fitness to Play panel on May 13, 2024.
The Silencer, LeBron James’ celebration, physically or without words this season
James (6’2”, 210) averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games (six starts) in his lone season at the University of Southern California in 2023-24. The 19-year-old scored in double figures in three outings, including a season-high 15-point performance on Dec. 30 at Oregon State. James tallied at least five assists in five contests and recorded multiple steals in five games.
“Bronny is first and foremost a person of high character. And secondly, he’s a young man who works incredibly hard,” Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka said. “Those are the qualities we look for in drafting players and adding to our developmental core at the Lakers. He had a great draft workout with us where he displayed those qualities.In terms of his work ethic, we’ve all seen that lived out, too. He’s not a person who has ever taken shortcuts or expected or been entitled about basketball opportunities.”
Critics will assess James’ inaugural season at USC alongside the typical production expected from a college basketball player. It is essential to consider the challenges he faced during the five-month period leading to his return to the basketball court. This experience involved not only a physical recovery but also a significant mental adjustment following such a situation. For a young athlete to overcome these obstacles and perform at a high level in basketball indicates considerable potential for further development.
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