USC Basketball: How Former LeBron James Teammate Thinks Bronny Should Approach NBA Draft

The USC freshman has underwhelmed thus far.

Should USC Trojans freshman combo guard Bronny James declare for the 2024 NBA draft, despite his play not necessarily guaranteeing that he will be selected?

To hear a one-time Cleveland Cavaliers-era teammate of his dad tell it, maybe not.

NBA center-turned-ESPN hot take specialist Kendrick Perkins, who briefly played alongside 20-time All-Star forward LeBron James on the Cavs, believes the 6'4" Sierra Canyon School alum needs some further seasoning in school before he turn pro successfully (h/t to Sai Mohan of Heavy.com for the transcription).

“Do I think he needs to go back to school? Yes, I do,” Perkins said. “And when the time is right [to enter the NBA], let it happen naturally. We don’t want to force anything. We don’t want to force this young man’s livelihood or development so he can go pair up with LeBron… or whatever narrative we’re trying to push. Let the young man breathe.”

“I think ‘Bron has to be patient and that means he’s going to have to sacrifice,” Perkins stressed. “If that means he’s going to have to extend his NBA career, so be it. I think Bronny is going to make it to the NBA and he’s gonna have a hell of a career. But he’s not going to be his dad, and that’s okay. Let Bronny be Bronny.”