Oct 6, 2004
Libra
Akron, OH
20 years old
N/A
N/A
Basketball Player
Bronny James: Rising Star in the NBA and Son of a Legend
Early Life and Background
LeBron Raymone "Bronny" James Jr. was born on October 6, 2004, in Akron, Ohio, to NBA superstar LeBron James and Savannah Brinson. Raised in a family deeply rooted in basketball, Bronny was exposed to the sport from an early age. He attended Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles, California, where he played high school basketball and gained national attention for his skills on the court. During his time at Sierra Canyon, he was ranked as the No. 17 recruit in the 2023 class by the Recruiting Services Consensus Index (RSCI) .
College Career at USC
In May 2023, Bronny committed to play college basketball at the University of Southern California (USC). However, his freshman season faced a significant challenge when he suffered a cardiac arrest during a practice session in July 2023. After recovering, he made his collegiate debut on December 10, 2023, and went on to appear in 25 games, starting in six. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, playing approximately 19.3 minutes per contest .
Entry into the NBA
Following his freshman year, Bronny declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 55th overall pick in the second round. This selection marked a historic moment, as Bronny joined his father, LeBron James, on the Lakers' roster, making them the first father-son duo to play in the NBA simultaneously .
Professional Career with the Los Angeles Lakers
Bronny made his NBA debut on October 22, 2024, wearing jersey number 9 for the Lakers. As a rookie, he has been working to establish his role on the team, contributing as a guard and learning alongside seasoned professionals, including his father. His presence has also had a significant impact off the court, with his Lakers jersey becoming a top seller and contributing to the team's merchandise revenue .
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Deals and Endorsements
Before entering the NBA, Bronny capitalized on NIL opportunities during his time at USC. He secured endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike, Beats by Dre, and PSD Underwear, amassing an estimated $5.9 million in NIL earnings, making him one of the highest-valued NCAA athletes at the time . Notably, his partnership with Beats by Dre included a commercial featuring both Bronny and his father, highlighting their unique bond and marketability .
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond basketball, Bronny has shown interest in esports and gaming, joining the FaZe Clan in August 2020, a professional esports and entertainment organization. He is also active on social media platforms, with a substantial following that contributes to his personal brand and endorsement appeal. Bronny's journey reflects a blend of athletic prowess, media savvy, and the influence of a supportive family legacy.