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LeBron James Jr., also known as Bronny James, has been named a five-star recruit and a top 10 prospect in the 2023 class of high school seniors by On3. Although for some time there had been questions about whether or not Bronny would end up being an elite prospect, his stock has continued to rise.
Bronny's status as a five-star recruit by On3 on Tuesday came on the heels of LeBron James tweeting about his son's skills on Monday. According to the NBA legend, his son is better than many of the young players he sees on NBA League Pass.
While Bronny has been inching up in ESPN.com's rankings from the 40s a year ago to his current spot at No. 28 (and still a four-star), ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony tagged him going No. 10 in a 2024 mock NBA draft last month. Bronny is No. 33 on 247Sports' composite rankings of recruiting sites.
Once On3's update about Bronny's upgrade from a four-star recruit came out, the replies came in.
Bronny James' play, and his potential future in the NBA
While many made jokes about LeBron James earning his son a status as a five-star recruit, others praised his evolution as a player. As a freshman, talk of Bronny making the league seemed to be largely based on being LeBron's son. Now, in his senior year, he has shown major improvements.
Between his ability to shoot from beyond the arc and his defensive abilities, he's earned a reputation as a solid 3-and-D player. Although Sierra Canyon has been loaded with talent, Bronny has cemented his place as one of its best players.
On his team this season were forwards Ashton Hardaway and Isaiah Elohim. Hardaway, who is Penny Hardaway's son and a Memphis commitment, is No. 81 in the senior class, according to ESPN.com. Elohim is No. 11 in next season's class. Last season, Amari Bailey (No. 5, UCLA), Kijani Wright (No. 41, USC) and Ramel Lloyd (No. 93, Nebraska), played for Sierra Canyon.
Of course, despite being a five-star recruit, colleges are having a tough time trying to recruit the budding star. Although he has narrowed down his decision to Ohio State, USC and Oregon (all Nike schools, of course), coaches have to go through quite the process just to speak with Bronny.
An unnamed Atlantic Coast Conference coach told On3:
“I tried to get involved, but you had to jump through a thousand hoops just to get to the mom. You’re not allowed to talk to the kid. You have to schedule a time on Tuesday or Thursday with the publicist just to talk to the mom.”
Of course, the ultimate goal is for the second-generation hooper is to make it into the NBA and play with his father. Although he may be forced to decide between playing with both of his sons or owning an NBA franchise, it's clear LeBron James Sr. has options.
After signing a two-year extension with the LA Lakers, it seemed as though James was trying to make the stars align. However, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has teased negotiations for the league to expand once the Collective Bargaining Agreement ends.
Between Seattle, Las Vegas and Mexico City, there are plenty of options for the league. Although James' goal is to eventually own an NBA team, the opportunity may come with a narrow window.
Given that it's no secret expansions rarely come around, it will be interesting to see how things play out.
Do you think Bronny, Bryce and LeBron will all play together, or will The King from Akron, Ohio, end up pursuing ownership instead? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
