LeBron James' Children: Bronny James' Scouting Report, Future in the NBA as Heir to The King
The ambition of LeBron James to play in the NBA with his eldest son has raised questions over Bronny James' potential.
During the All-Star Weekend in Cleveland on Sunday, LeBron told Jason Lloyd of The Athletic that his last year would be spent playing with his son, and he would go to any lengths to play with Bronny.
Having a height of 6'3 and a sufficient physique, the 17-year-old high school junior is the 34th prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.
Before being eligible for the 2024 NBA draft, he still has to play his senior year at Sierra Canyon High School and spend one year in college or a pro-path league, Bleacher Report reported.
Players can evolve and improve significantly in that time. However, it is always useful for NBA evaluators to get eyes on prospects this early to establish a foundation for assessing growth.
Once 5-star guard Amari Bailey leaves for UCLA, Bronny's role figures are set to expand next season. But based on Bronny's current style of play, skillset, and limitations, his projected archetype is a Connector or 3-and-D combo, and his NBA comparisons include De'Anthony Melton, Ayo Dosunmu, and Lonzo Ball.
Bronny James' Passing, Shooting Potential With Defensive Abilities
Every scouting report on Bronny James will include the phrase "plays the right way." Starting with his unselfish passing and great basketball IQ, his identity focuses on connective skills and attributes.
Bronny follows the offense's flow and shows a desire to move the ball. He does not have a personal agenda or a desire to go on a shooting spree and, when combined with his vision, makes him someone whose teammates would enjoy playing with.
Also, Bronny is adept in catch-and-shoot situations, displaying excellent shot preparation and rhythm hopping into jumpers with his footwork. If he is going to score 15 points or more in a game, his jumper is generally the reason.
In a game against Notre Dame earlier in February, Bronny went for 14 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Despite not shooting off the dribble as often, he does a nice job of gathering and rising with balance.
There are enough reasons to buy Bronny's shooting development and chances of expanding his shot-making versatility between his fundamentals and touch.
On the other hand, the 17-year-old athlete often makes multiple games that showcase his defensive instincts and effort.
He locks in, slides his feet, and guards with an outstanding amount of intensity when he's on the ball at the point of attack. Opposing ball-handlers had to expend more energy to get to their areas because of him.
Possible Hurdles and Potentials to NBA of LeBron James' Son, Bronny James
From an NBA scouting perspective, it would be ideal if Bronny James grew another inch or two to better match up with shooting guards. But despite his age, he still possesses a strong build and the speed to defend lead guards.
While LeBron James' son splits time running the point and shows outstanding handle control, he can't always use it to create for himself in the half-court.
He goes nowhere at times when trying to make a move, which leaves him trapped dancing in place, unable to do blow-by bursts or advanced low-dribble movements from a stationary position.
Bronny's shooting and decision-making skills are ideal for a connection role, but his lack of elusiveness raises concerns about his lead-guard potential and on-ball worth.
The teen basketball player can also struggle to separate in the paint, resulting in more difficult finishing attempts and the need for extra touch or acrobatics. However, this could change if he grows or adds explosiveness.
If LeBron James is serious about teaming up with his boy, the possibility that the father-son duo may come as a package out of the 2024 draft could affect Bronny's stock.
It seems reasonable if playoff teams and contenders would be interested in the 39-year-old LeBron James if the cost was picking his boy.
Even without his father, Bronny James still has the athletic ability, an easy-to-fit skill set, and A-plus intangibles that the NBA teams should find appealing.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Jess Smith
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