Bronny James Rumors: Execs See LeBron's Son 'as a Legit NBA Prospect' After Combine

Bronny James reportedly helped his cause in the eyes of NBA talent evaluators with his performance at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine.

According to ESPN's Jonathan Givony, NBA executives "have warmed up to view [Bronny] as a legit NBA prospect over the past few weeks."

Givony noted that Bronny had a strong performance compared to many of his peers in the 2024 NBA draft class, including a 40-minute, one-on-zero workout that saw him throw down some "explosive dunks" and make "a barrage of 3-pointers."

On Wednesday, Bronny's agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN's Givony and Adrian Wojnarowski that Bronny will remain in the draft pool, meaning he is forgoing his remaining college eligibility.

Last year, Bronny committed to play his college basketball at USC to plenty of fanfare. That was due in part to the fact that he is the son of Los Angeles Lakers star and NBA legend LeBron James, but it also had plenty to do with his own talent.

Entering the 2023-24 season, Bronny was rated by 247Sports as a 4-star prospect, as well as the No. 28 overall player and No. 6 combo guard in his recruiting class.

Expectations were high for Bronny to make an instant impact, but he went into cardiac arrest while working out prior to the season and had to undergo a heart procedure.

Bronny missed the first eight games of the season and did not establish himself as a key contributor upon returning, averaging just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game on 36.6 percent shooting from the field and 26.7 percent shooting from long range.

James entered both the NBA draft and the transfer portal once the season ended to keep his options open, but with Paul declaring that Bronny will remain in the draft, his collegiate playing days are over after just one season.

Given his status as LeBron's son, Bronny has naturally been linked to the Lakers during the pre-draft process, and they are among the teams he plans to work out for, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

However, Bronny is reportedly also planning to work out with the Phoenix Suns, so he is keeping his options open.

LeBron has expressed his desire to be teammates with Bronny many times over the years, but he has also made it clear that he will support Bronny regardless of where he ends up.

In speaking to Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes, Paul made it clear that he wasn't primarily focused on trying to get Bronny and LeBron on the same team, saying:

"Well, LeBron said he wanted to play with his son. Bronny can't do anything about that. And that's nothing we should push back on. If he wants to play with his son, that's that. But again, I have a job to do representing Bronny and LeBron.

"LeBron's season's over. I'm focused on Bronny and the rest of our draft class. If it aligns where he can play with his dad, great. Am I necessarily focused on that? No, not at all. I'm focused on a team-plan investment and a seriousness as it pertains to fit and opportunity."

LeBron can become a free agent this offseason if he opts out of his contract, but assuming he re-signs with the Lakers in some capacity, L.A. remains the most likely landing spot for Bronny.

The Lakers own the Nos. 17 and 55 overall picks in the 2024 draft, so they should have the opportunity to take him if they want him.

With that said, it sounds as though the Lakers may have at least some competition as organizations warm up to the idea of Bronny being a viable NBA player.