• Loading stock data...
Thursday, February 13, 2025

Bronny James Reportedly Staying in Draft After Medical Clearance

  • James will participate in the NBA draft combine in Chicago this week. 
  • LeBron James is expected to be a free agent this summer, making Bronny a potential recruiting chip.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Bronny James appears to be staying in the NBA draft. 

The son of Lakers star LeBron James has been medically cleared to play in the league after one year at USC. Last summer, doctors discovered a congenital heart defect after Bronny went into cardiac arrest. The NBA’s Fitness to Play panel ultimately cleared him, and James is expected to participate in all predraft activities starting with the draft combine this week in Chicago. The news of Bronny being cleared was first reported by ESPN, while the belief he will stay in the draft was reported by The Athletic

By staying in the draft, the younger James becomes perhaps the most compelling story in what is considered a weak draft class. His father has long expressed interest in playing with both Bronny and Bryce, his youngest son who is 16, but has walked back the comments in recent years. 

Despite being a five-star recruit out of high school, Bronny struggled in his freshman season at USC. He averaged just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game on 37% shooting and played in just 25 games after his cardiac arrest episode. He will have a chance to boost his draft stock by participating in the combine, including five-on-five scrimmages, giving league executives a chance to see him up close. 

James is currently not appearing on any respected mock draft, but The Athletic has reported the Lakers are open to taking him. Los Angeles has the 17th and 55th picks in the draft, but the Pelicans have the chance to take the 17th pick from the Lakers or defer it to 2025 as part of the Anthony Davis trade from ’19.

But would a team take Bronny purely for the chance to pursue his father? LeBron James is expected to decline his $51 million player option this summer to become a free agent. The Sixers are a team with plenty of cap space and two stars in Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Could they consider taking Bronny to try to sign his father and chase a title in the weaker Eastern Conference? Could another team take the same approach? 

The NBA is dividing the draft into two nights for the first time next month, with the first and second rounds taking place over two days. The second round has produced multiple stars over the years, including three-time MVP Nikola Jokić and Knicks star Jalen Brunson. Bronny’s cloudy draft stock and potential storylines surrounding him could help boost ratings for a draft that is considered to lack the star power of prior years. 

Should he defy reports and go back to school, Bronny James has until May 29 to decide whether to stay in the draft or go back to college. He declared for the draft while maintaining his college eligibility and also entered the transfer portal so if he does play a sophomore season, it likely won’t be at USC.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jun 13, 2018; Moscow, Russia; A general view of a beer stand inside of Luschniki Stadium one day prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Saudi Arabia Says No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia won’t allow alcohol anywhere during the 2034 World Cup.
Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Sweden goalie Linus Ullmark (35) warms-up before a game against Team Canada during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre.

NHL Says World Cup of Hockey to Return in 2028

The event will launch a schedule of biannual international competition.
Feb 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pat McAfee and Michael Cole and Wade Barrett celebrate with Jey Uso during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium.

WWE’s Michael Cole: Pat McAfee Made Work ‘Fun’

Cole is the host of “WWE’s Greatest Moments,” which debuts on A&E this Sunday.

Luka Dončić Lakers Debut Peaked at 2.55M Viewers

Dončić played just 24 minutes in the Lakers’ blowout win.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.

Caitlin Clark Raves About Indiana Fever’s Offseason Moves

DeWanna Bonner said she came to Indiana to “win another championship.”
February 10, 2025

How Much Have NFL Rookie Salaries Changed in the Last 20 Years?

The increasing NFL salary cap has translated to rising rookie salaries.
Saquon Barkley
February 10, 2025

Saquon Barkley’s Quiet Super Bowl Was Still Worth $250K

The Eagles running back capped his historic season with a middling performance.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Caitlin Clark
February 9, 2025

Ailing Nike Taps Caitlin Clark, Women’s Stars for First Super Bowl Ad..

The 60-second ad includes Clark, Wilson, Ionescu, Chiles, Richardson, and Sabalenka.
Aaron Rodgers
February 9, 2025

The Jets and Aaron Rodgers Are Getting a $49 Million Divorce

The Rodgers era in New Jersey appears to be over.
Travis Kelce
February 9, 2025

Super Bowl Win Could Have Travis Kelce Join Brother in Retirement

Kelce’s fame could making retiring more lucrative than football.
Malcolm Butler
February 9, 2025

NFL Players at Super Bowl React to Possible 18-Game Season

Jameis Winston, Kyren Williams, and others sound off.