Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, made headlines on Friday by announcing his decision to enter both the NBA draft and the NCAA transfer portal via Instagram. 

This decision comes after a challenging debut season with the University of Southern California (USC), which was cut short due to a cardiac arrest incident during practice less than a year ago.

Reflecting on his journey, James shared, “I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student, and athlete.” Expressing gratitude to USC for the opportunities provided during his freshman year, he also thanked his support system including family, friends, medical professionals, and fans.

The 19-year-old underwent surgery last July to address a congenital heart defect, a hurdle that undoubtedly shaped his collegiate experience. Despite the setback, James remains resilient, poised to navigate his future in basketball.

LeBron James, his father and NBA superstar, has been vocal about his support for Bronny’s aspirations. In a previous interview with ESPN, LeBron emphasized the importance of being present for his son’s journey, expressing his desire to share the court with him. 

However, LeBron also acknowledged Bronny’s autonomy in decision-making, affirming that the family will stand behind him regardless of his choices.

Bronny James’ stats for his debut season with the USC Trojans include averages of 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds, starting six of 25 games since his debut in December.

With the 2024 NBA draft scheduled for June 26-27, basketball enthusiasts eagerly await Bronny James’ next steps as he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his basketball career.