Career Timeline of Bronny James: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Bronny James built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Bronny James Jr. is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. A four-star recruit, he was a McDonald's All-American in high school and played one season for the USC Trojans. He was drafted by the Lakers in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft. Notably, he is the son of LeBron James Sr., and they are the first active father-son duo to play together in the NBA.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2015: College Scholarship Offers

By 2015, James was receiving scholarship offers from college basketball programs, leading his father to comment on the inappropriateness of recruiting 10-year-old kids.

2016: Offers from Duke and Kentucky

In 2016, ESPN reported that James held scholarship offers from Duke and Kentucky, showcasing his early potential as a basketball prospect.

April 2019: Nike Elite Youth Basketball League Debut

In April 2019, James made his Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) debut with Strive for Greatness.

2020: Signs with FaZe Clan

In 2020, James signed with esports organization FaZe Clan to stream Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone under the handle "FaZe Bronny."

June 2021: Sports Illustrated Cover Appearance

In June 2021, James appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated with members of FaZe Clan, including NFL quarterback Kyler Murray.

February 2022: Filing for Trademarks

In February 2022, James filed for trademarks on variations of his name: Bronny, BJ Jr., and Bronald.

June 2022: Drop in Recruiting Rankings

In June 2022, James's recruiting rankings dropped, with Rivals ranking him 60th overall.

January 17, 2023: College Decision Options

On January 17, 2023, the Los Angeles Times reported that James would decide between attending college at Ohio State, Oregon, or USC.

March 2023: Projected NBA Draft Pick

In March 2023, James was projected as a top-ten pick in the 2024 NBA draft and was seen as the most improved prospect in the country.

2023: McDonald's All-American

In 2023, James was named a McDonald's All-American as a senior in high school, marking a significant achievement in his high school career.

2023: McDonald's All-American Game Selection and Nepotism Allegations

In 2023, after James was selected to play in the McDonald's All-American Game, concerns were raised about nepotism due to his father's influence.

2023: Development as a Top Perimeter Defender

In 2023, reports indicated that James was developing into one of the top perimeter defenders in his high school class, showcasing his defensive anticipation and intensity.

April 5, 2024: NBA Draft Entry

On April 5, 2024, James announced his entry into the 2024 NBA draft while maintaining college eligibility and also entering the transfer portal.

May 28, 2024: NBA Workout Invites

On May 28, 2024, it was reported that James had at least 10 workout invites from NBA teams but only visited a "couple" of those teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns.

June 27, 2024: Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers

On June 27, 2024, James was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, pairing him with his father, LeBron James.

July 2024: Jersey Number Choice for NBA Debut

In July 2024, James selected the number 9 jersey for his NBA debut during the 2024–25 Los Angeles Lakers season to honor Juice Wrld's 2017 debut EP 9 9 9.

October 22, 2024: NBA Debut

On October 22, 2024, in the season opener, James and his father became the first father–son duo to play together in the NBA. Bronny debuted with a rebound in three minutes of play in the Lakers' win over the Timberwolves.

2024: NBA Draft Selection

In 2024, James was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the NBA draft after playing one season of college basketball for the USC Trojans.

2024: NBA Draft Selection and Nepotism Claims

In the 2024 NBA draft, the Los Angeles Lakers selected James, leading to allegations of nepotism given concerns about his college performance and NBA readiness. His agent allegedly discouraged other teams from drafting him.