Bronny James, son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, has confirmed he will enter the 2024 NBA draft. The 19-year-old has played just 25 games in his college career after the freshman suffered a cardiac arrest last summer. He made his college debut in December. Four-time NBA champion LeBron has previously said he hopes to play the final NBA season of his decorated career alongside his son.

Bronny James of the USC Trojans looks on in the second half of a quarterfinal game against the Arizona Wildcats during the Pac-12 Conference basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena

Image credit: Getty Images

Bronny James, son of NBA star LeBron James, has confirmed he will enter the 2024 NBA draft.

The 19-year-old freshman has played just one season of college basketball at the University of Southern California Trojans, missing the first eight games after suffering a cardiac arrest in early July during the team’s off-season workouts.

A James family spokesperson later said the cardiac arrest was caused by a congenital heart defect. Four months later he was cleared to return to practice and made his college debut against Long Beach in December.

On Friday, Bronny confirmed he will enter the NCAA transfer portal in order to maintain his college eligibility.

He wrote on Instagram: “I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete.

“I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA transfer portal.

“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 has appeared in 25 games, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his 19.3 minutes per game.

On Tuesday, LeBron said before Bronny had declared for the NBA draft that he had “some tough decisions to make” .

“At the end of the day, Bronny’s his own man,” the 39-year-old told reporters after the LA Lakers’ win over the Raptors in Toronto.

“He has some tough decisions to make, and when he’s ready to make those decisions, he’ll let us all know. But as his family, we’re going to support whatever he does.”

In 2022, LeBron admitted he would like to play in the NBA with his son before retiring from the sport.

He told The Athletic: “My last year will be played with my son, 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.”

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