LeBron James says Bronny is already better than some NBA players — here is how the future USC player is moving out of dad’s shadow

Bronny James will be staying close to home for college and keeping it in the family.

Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images

The eldest son of NBA legend LeBron James announced on Instagram that he is committed to playing basketball at USC.

The decision keeps Bronny close to his Los Angeles home and also keeps him in the Nike family. LeBron has a lifetime contract with the shoe and lifestyle brand and Bronny has already signed an NIL deal with Nike.

This is just the latest move in the fabulous life of a teenager who now appears to be destined for NBA stardom.

The four-time NBA champion, four-time league MVP, and 19-time All-Star is officially the NBA's all-time scoring champion, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's points record in February 2023. He is the player most often mentioned along with Michael Jordan in the debate over NBA GOAT.

Bronny’s dad, LeBron James, is one of the most accomplished players in NBA history.

LeBron is one of the first athletes to become a billionaire. In addition to his growing off-court ventures, he has made $432 million during his 20-year NBA career. He also signed a two-year, $97 million extension with the Lakers, which will give him $141 million over the next three years and make him the highest-earning player in the history of the NBA.

LeBron is also one of the wealthiest athletes ever.

Bronny reportedly considered three different Division I programs — all sponsored by Nike, of course — for his collegiate basketball career: 1) USC, which is close to his LA home, friends, and family; 2) Ohio State, Akron native LeBron's favorite school; and 3) Oregon, which has the strongest ties to Nike, with CEO Phil Knight a major booster.

Bronny, whose real name is LeBron James Jr., is turning into quite the ballplayer himself.Bronny is reportedly considering three different Division I programs — all sponsored by Nike, of course — for his collegiate basketball career: 1) USC, which is close to his LA home, friends, and family; 2) Ohio State, Akron-native LeBron’s favorite school; and 3) Oregon, which has the strongest ties to Nike, with CEO Phil Knight a major booster.

Duke was not on the list, even though the school had long been considered a favorite to land Bronny James due to LeBron James' admiration of famed coach Mike Krzyzewski. In 2018, LeBron defended Coach K from criticism with a social media comment that read: Love Coach K! The absolute BEST! Hope he's still at the helm when my boy comes up.Unfortunately for Duke, though, Krzyzewski retired after the 2021-22 season, and the currently unranked Blue Devils were not a candidate for Bronny.

One school notably absent from Bronny’s list was Duke.

I need to be on the floor with my boy, I got to be on the floor with Bronny, James told ESPN. Either in the same uniform or a matchup against him. I don't mean like [guarding each other all game] — because he's a point guard and I'm a, at this point now I'm playing center or whatever the team needs from me. But I would love to do the whole Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. thing. That would be ideal for sure.

LeBron has said that it’s his goal to play in the NBA with his son.“I need to be on the floor with my boy, I got to be on the floor with Bronny,” James told ESPN. “Either in the same uniform or a matchup against him. I don’t mean like [guarding one another all game] — because he’s a point guard and I’m a, at this point now I’m playing center or whatever the team needs from me. But I would love to do the whole Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. thing. That would be ideal for sure.”

The game brought the families full-circle as LeBron and Melo were drafted in the same year and later played together for Team USA and the Lakers. While Anthony is a free agent, he was still hoping to play during the 2022-23 season, making him the only player from that legendary draft still active in the NBA. The James Gang won the game.

Bronny and Bryce recently faced off against Carmelo Anthony’s son.The game brought the families full-circle as LeBron and Melo were drafted in the same year and later played together for Team USA and the Lakers. While Anthony is a free agent, he was still hoping to play during the 2022-23 season, making him the only player from that legendary draft still active in the NBA. The James Gang won the game.

Jordan's two sons, Marcus and Jeffrey, both played Division I college basketball, but neither was ever a serious NBA prospect.

The sons could give LeBron bragging rights over Michael Jordan.Jordan’s two sons, Marcus and Jeffrey, both played Division I college basketball, but neither was ever a serious NBA prospect.

The cover echoed the famous Chosen One cover of a high school-aged LeBron, as seen on the shirt he is wearing. But is the hype too much? According to Luca Evans of the LA Times, who followed Bronny closely during his senior season, Bronny James is great, in his own way. And for many, that will never be enough.

Both sons have already been on the cover of Sports Illustrated.The cover echoed the famous “Chosen One” cover of a high school-aged LeBron, as seen on the shirt he is wearing.

Twenty years after LeBron Sr. played in the McDonald's All-American game, LeBron Jr. did the same.

Bronny also followed in his dad’s footsteps by being named a McDonald’s All-American.Twenty years after LeBron Sr. played in the McDonald’s All-American game, LeBron Jr. did the same.

Recent rules changes allow high school and college athletes to be paid for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) without losing NCAA eligibility. Bronny already has a deal with Nike.For as long as I can remember, Nike's been a part of my family, The younger James said. Getting a chance to team up with them and continue my family's legacy both on the court and in the community is wild — it really means a lot to me.LeBron signed with Nike after graduating from high school and now even has a building named after him on their Beaverton, Oregon campus.

He is also cashing in on the new NIL landscape.

On3's NIL rankings give Bronny an NIL value of $7.4 million, tops on their list and more than twice as much as the next athletes, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne ($3.5 million). James has 12.8 million combined followers on Instagram and TikTok.

Bronny is said to have the highest NIL value among athletes.On3’s NIL rankings give Bronny an NIL value of $7.4 million, tops on their list and more than twice as much as the next athletes, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne ($3.5 million). James has 12.8 million combined followers on Instagram and TikTok.