USC Basketball: Bronny James May Be Drafted High For One Very Big Reason

Bronny James could go high in the draft for one specific reason.

It is no secret that Bronny James will be part of the NBA Draft at some point. It may not be after this season, but he is eligible to declare for the draft this summer. James has shown some elite skill on the court, but he would benefit from staying with the USC Trojans for a bit longer. 

Still, he could forego staying in college to join the ranks of the NBA for one specific reason, and that's to play with his father. 

LeBron James has openly stated that he wants to play with Bronny in the twilight years of his NBA career, and that could lead to the young freshman being a much higher draft pick. 

There are growing rumors that LeBron will pass on his $51.4 million player option for the 2024-2025 season and instead become an undrafted free agent to play with his son. Whatever team is willing to draft Bronny will be doing so to bring in LeBron for far less money.

Marc Stein revealed this fact on his Substack Monday. 

"I know of at least two teams on the NBA map that believe LeBron James would consider signing with them at far less than $51.4 million if Bronny James is on that roster," NBA insider Marc Stein reported on his Substack Monday. "And there might be more teams."

via 

Marc Stein, Fox Sports

LeBron has openly stated multiple times that he wants to finish his career wherever Bronny ends up. For all we know, that could mean the Lakers draft the younger James to keep LeBron in LA for his final run. 

Keyshawn Johnson of Undisputed also stated that LeBron and Bronny playing together is a "done deal."

"It's already a done deal," Johnson said Tuesday on the show. "If the Lakers don't draft Bronny, LeBron is deducing. I can guarantee you that, and you can have my right arm, and I'll bring a chainsaw in for you and somebody else to gore it off."

via Keyshawn Johnson, Undisputed

LeBron might not have that many more years left in him at the pro level, and we imagine he would be pushing for Bronny to get drafted sooner rather than later.