Bronny James continues to make waves as the NBA Draft season heats up.
The USC product and son of NBA great LeBron James seems to be staying in the 2024 NBA Draft rather than returning to college. James previously entered the transfer portal while simultaneously putting his name into the draft.
James has been in the spotlight for years now, especially since he became a legit basketball prospect. His freshman year at USC was mostly underwhelming, but scouts believe he played out of position and is better than his numbers show. Not to mention, James began his collegiate career just months after suffering cardiac arrest.
The NBA Draft order is set as the Hawks won this year's lottery and 78 prospects have made their way to Chicago for the NBA Draft Combine. James is among that bunch and has already impressed those in attendance, notably with his measurements and shooting.
As long as James keeps his name in the draft, he'll dominate headlines. It's possible that he can team up with his dad in the NBA. The draft isn't until June 26, so there is time for opinions to mature and draft boards to change, which will certainly affect James.
The Sporting News is tracking all the latest rumors, news and updates on James leading up to the 2024 NBA Draft.
MORE: Bronny James struggles in first NBA Combine scrimmage
Bronny James NBA Draft rumors
Bronny James to work out for Suns, in play for No. 22 pick
Date: May 24
Could James still be a first-round pick? The Suns reportedly believe so.
James is set to work out for Phoenix and is in consideration at the No. 22 pick, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania, who adds that 10 teams have invited the USC product to work out.
James reportedly won't work out for all teams who ask, as he's prioritizing fit over draft status, but the Suns and Lakers are two teams he will work out for.
Bronny James improves his draft stock at NBA Draft Combine
Date: May 17
James has gone from a projected undrafted player to a potential second-round pick with his NBA Draft Combine performance, according to ESPN.
James registered a 40.5-inch vertical leap, then shot 19-for-25 in the 3-point shooting drill to catch the eyes of scouts on Monday. After a quiet showing in Tuesday's scrimmage, James proved he belonged with a standout game in Wednesday's scrimmage.
He also reportedly impressed in his interviews, particularly with his player comparisons for himself.
"[Davion Mitchell] was an interesting comparison to hear him point out. Showed he's realistic in thinking about this," a team executive told ESPN.
"These things take time, man. How many rookies come into the league at 19 years old with it all figured out and can make an impact right away?" a G League general manager told ESPN. "You trust the basketball IQ, and he's going to figure some stuff out because of how he was brought up. He is the son of LeBron James."
Utah Jazz could draft Bronny James early in second round
Date: May 16
The Jazz are one of the teams interested in scheduling an individual workout with James. Utah has three picks in the 2024 NBA Draft (No. 10, No. 29 and No. 32).
James is not projected to land in the first round, so the Jazz could select him early in the second round. Trading back is also an option.
Danny Ainge, a Jazz executive, was in attendance for James' second scrimmage, which he performed well. Drafting James would allow Utah to sign his father, pairing the two together in what would be a massive move for a smaller organization.
LeBron James sparks Cleveland return with playoff appearance
Date: May 14
It's not common for James to be out of playoff contention, while the Cavaliers are still playing postseason ball. The 39-year-old took advantage and returned to the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse for Game 4 of Celtics vs. Cavaliers.
What could've been an innocent visit to watch playoff hoops in his hometown sparked rumors as to whether James was teasing a potential offseason move back to Cleveland.
James can opt out of his contract and sign to a team of his picking. That seems to be the plan as he hopes to end his career alongside his son. Cleveland doesn't have a second round pick, but the organization can always trade into the second round to draft Bronny.
MORE: Three NBA players Bronny James compares himself to
Multiple teams plan to schedule workouts with Bronny James
Date: May 13
James has already drawn some interest from a few teams, including the Lakers. Los Angeles has long been the favorite to land the point guard since it would like to pair the father and son together.
That said, there are a couple more undisclosed teams interested in scheduling workouts and meetings with James, per The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Bronny James' financial impact could improve his draft stock
Date: May 13
NBA teams may consider drafting James for more than just his talent or a chance to sign his dad. The financial impact James would bring to any organization is expected to be great, even if he plays in the G League.
"Bronny James is going to have an impact for organizations not just on the basketball side, but potentially on the business side," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said. "He's almost assuredly going to start in the G League. He will pack G League arenas, merchandising.
"All of those make him an attractive player, whether it's late first round or second round."
Teams are intrigued by Bronny James because of the financial impact he will have on their G League level at the beginning of his career, per @wojespn:
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 14, 2024
“He will pack G League arenas, merchandising. All of those make him an attractive player.”
Bronny could go late first-round. pic.twitter.com/4gHrAXDQTV
In his latest mock draft, TSN's draft expert Kyle Irving has James going to the Lakers with the No. 55 pick. Irving has James ranked as the 46th-best prospect in the class.
Bronny James impresses on vertical leap, shooting and agility drills
Date: May 13
James made some noise during the first day of the NBA Combine with his vertical leap, shooting and agility numbers.
Despite shooting just 26.7 percent from 3 in 25 games at USC, his jumper looked fluid during the combine shooting drills.
Bronny James just crushed the 3-point star shooting drill at the NBA draft combine. 19/25, good for second place. pic.twitter.com/50UVXXy3GY
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 14, 2024
Furthermore, James posted a 40.5-inch max vertical, which ranked as the fourth highest among 2024 participants.
Bronny James comes in with a 40.5-inch max vertical jump: pic.twitter.com/ETB148tV7G
— Kevin Sweeney (@CBB_Central) May 13, 2024
The raw combine numbers have helped James' stock after a mostly disappointing freshman season.