How tall is Bronny James? LeBron James' son charts his path to NBA Draft amid comparisons with legendary dad
Full Name | LeBron Raymone "Bronny" James Jr |
Date of Birth | October 6, 2004 |
Age | 18 (as of 2023) |
Place of Birth | Cleveland, Ohio |
Height | 6 ft 3 in (190cm) approx |
Weight | 82 kg (190 lbs) approx |
Eye Color | Dark brown |
Net Worth | $10.5 million |
Parents | LeBron James, Savannah James |
Sibling | Bryce James |
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The son of NBA legend LeBron James, Bronny, is on the cusp of making his own mark in the world of basketball. With his senior season at Sierra Canyon now behind him, the spotlight is shining brightly on Bronny as he takes steps toward potentially following in his father's footsteps in the NBA.
In a striking parallel to his father's story, Bronny is set to make his mark on the professional basketball scene too.
Back in 2003, LeBron James was selected as the No 1 pick in the NBA Draft by the Cavaliers. Fast forward 20 years, and Bronny is now embarking on his basketball journey, having completed his senior season at Sierra Canyon.
At present, Bronny stands at 6 ft 3 in (190cm) and weighs 190lbs, sharing a similar physical build with NBA players such as CJ McCollum, Kendrick Nunn and Collin Sexton. However, his official wingspan measurement has not been disclosed.
By contrast, when LeBron was 18 and on the brink of entering the NBA, he measured 6 ft 7 inches (193cm) without shoes, weighing 245lbs, with an impressive 7ft wingspan. Today, LeBron is even taller, at 6ft 9 inches (205cm), weighing 250 lbs.
The visual difference in height between Bronny and his father is evident, but it's important to note that Bronny's growth journey is still ongoing. He is expected to hit his height spurt in the next few years.
While Bronny may not generate as much hype as his father did, back in the day, during the NBA Draft, he has shown remarkable growth on the basketball court.
ESPN's Jonathan Givony, recognizing Bronny's achievements during his senior season at Sierra Canyon, has positioned him as a "top 10" pick in the upcoming drafts.
Bronny's senior season saw him assume the role of a crucial starter, excelling as an elite perimeter defender while making strides in his offensive contributions as a shooter and secondary scorer, and playmaker.
Will Bronny James be in the 2024 draft?
Although Bronny remains a year away from NBA Draft eligibility, discussions about his potential are already underway.
His defensive prowess, combined with significant improvements in his shooting and playmaking skills, have garnered attention and speculation about him being a potential lottery pick.
Analysts are closely watching his development as he prepares to enter the next phase of his basketball career.
According to ESPN's most recent mock 2024 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks selected Bronny James with the 17th overall pick (via the Sacramento Kings) in next year's draft.
Is Bronny James 5 stars?
The road ahead for Bronny remains uncertain, as his next step after high school is yet to be determined. Reports suggest that he was considering college options, with Ohio State, USC and Oregon being potential destinations.
The anticipation surrounding Bronny's future is further fueled by his recent elevation to five-star recruit status. On3 Recruits upgraded him to the No 9 overall prospect nationwide in the class of 2023, solidifying his reputation as a rising star.
Industry Comparison for On3 5⭐️ Bronny James. https://t.co/3ue8xtzSV2 pic.twitter.com/3mHdZfhJcg
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) March 7, 2023
As Bronny's basketball journey unfolds, his father, James, is simultaneously carving his own legacy in the NBA. Now in his 20th year in the league, James continues to excel at an extraordinary level.
Despite his illustrious career, he has expressed his desire to share the court with his son before retiring.
“My last year will be played with my son. Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point,” the Lakers legend has said.
Comprehensive journey of Bronny James
Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA icon LeBron James, has crafted a remarkable journey in the realm of sports, particularly basketball. Starting with his time at Sierra Canyon High School, where he showcased his basketball prowess, Bronny became a highly sought-after recruit.
His commitment to the University of Southern California (USC) marked a significant chapter in his career. However, a challenging moment arose in July 2023 when Bronny experienced a cardiac arrest during a workout with the USC team.
After a resilient four-month recovery, he triumphantly returned to the court for his USC Trojans debut on December 8, 2023, against Long Beach State. Bronny's performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him substantial media attention and praise for his athleticism.
Despite being compared to his legendary father, LeBron James, Bronny remains focused on savoring his college career and is viewed as a promising NBA prospect.
Understanding his early life, professional life and current status
Born LeBron Raymone "Bronny" James Jr on October 6, 2004, he is the eldest son of NBA legend LeBron James. Raised in Akron, Ohio, he later attended Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles.
Bronny has two siblings, Bryce Maximus, a promising basketball prospect at Campbell Hall, and Zuri, his younger sister. In terms of family background, his mother, Savannah James, shares a high school connection with LeBron's current wife, Gabrielle Union.
During his childhood, Bronny engaged in various sports like basketball, football, and ice hockey, although the latter was off-limits for safety reasons set by his father.
His early basketball journey kicked off at the age of 9 when he joined the AAU Strive for Greatness team in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) under-16 category in Indianapolis.
Notably, in 2015, Bronny led the Gulf Coast Blue Chips AAU team to a fourth-grade championship at the League Dallas/Hype Sports Summer Jam.
Transitioning to high school, he gained attention for his basketball skills at Sierra Canyon, following stints with several Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) teams before entering high school.
Bronny James currently shines as a college basketball player for the USC Trojans in the Pac-12 Conference, having committed to USC in May 2023 over Ohio State and Oregon.
Making his debut on December 8, 2023, against Long Beach State, Bronny has garnered praise for his exceptional athleticism, drawing comparisons from his father, LeBron James, to the NBA legend's rookie season.
Bronny's basketball journey took root when he joined the AAU Strive for Greatness team in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) under-16 category in Indianapolis at the age of 9.
His high school chapter unfolded at Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles, where he showcased his skills and gained attention. Beyond the basketball court, Bronny has ventured into esports, signing with FaZe Clan and streaming Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone under the handle "FaZe Bronny."
In a testament to his resilience, he overcame a cardiac arrest during a July 2023 workout with the USC team, receiving medical clearance for a triumphant return to basketball after a four-month recovery.
Influences from his iconic father, Lebron James
Bronny James, following in the illustrious footsteps of NBA legend LeBron James, reflects the profound influence of his father in various aspects.
LeBron's impactful success in basketball serves as a guiding force for Bronny, evident in his high-level play at Sierra Canyon High School and commitment to play college basketball at USC.
According to The Gaurdian, Bronny embodies a strong work ethic and dedication to basketball inherited from LeBron, showcasing a commitment to skill development.
As per Us Weekly, Bronny actively engages in the discourse, using Father's Day to playfully contribute to the GOAT debate against Michael Jordan, showcasing the lighthearted banter within their father-son dynamic.
Differences between father and son’s playing style and position
The key distinctions between LeBron James and Bronny James are evident in various aspects of their basketball styles:
Position: LeBron, a power forward and small forward in the NBA, contrasts with Bronny, who plays as a point guard and shooting guard for the USC Trojans. Bronny's focus on the perimeter suggests a more specialized playing style compared to his father's hybrid forward/guard role.
Aggressiveness: LeBron is renowned for his assertive approach, dominating games within his age group and against older players. In contrast, Bronny has exhibited a more deferential stance, particularly during his high school years when playing alongside older, top-tier talent. This may evolve as Bronny gains experience and confidence in his career.
Shooting Range: Notably, Bronny demonstrates a slightly superior shooting range and accuracy from beyond the paint compared to his father at the same developmental stage. This implies a potentially more versatile scoring repertoire for Bronny, including a robust outside game.
Athleticism: LeBron's acclaim for Bronny's athleticism, suggesting he could match his father's prowess at the age of 19, points to shared quickness and agility between the two. However, Bronny's athleticism may manifest uniquely, potentially influencing his shooting range or defensive capabilities.
How Bronny started playing basketball and his contributions to the game
Bronny James embarked on his basketball journey at a tender age and has been immersed in the sport since childhood. Joining the AAU Strive for Greatness team in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) under-16 category in Indianapolis at the age of 9 marked the inception of his basketball career, officially.
His high school chapter unfolded at Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles, where his skills garnered attention. Currently a freshman at USC, Bronny made his debut for the USC Trojans on December 8, 2023, against Long Beach State.
While his full impact on the team is yet to be determined, Bronny is recognized for his elite basketball instincts, resilience, and scoring prowess. Standing at 6-4 and weighing 210 pounds, he is listed as a versatile combo guard with a potent outside game.
Bronny's athleticism, lauded by his father, LeBron James, draws comparisons to LeBron's own NBA rookie season. Despite his youth, Bronny has already attracted substantial media attention and is poised as a potential prospect for the NBA.
Playing style, position and strengths
Bronny James, standing at 6'3" and weighing 180 pounds, embodies the role of an undersized yet robust combo guard, distinguished by a formidable frame, remarkable athleticism, and swift agility (as per NBA Draft).
His playing style is a testament to his proficiency in shooting, defensive prowess, and a high basketball IQ. Renowned for his deep shooting range, Bronny is celebrated for consistently scoring from the perimeter, frequently sinking multiple three-pointers in a single game.
His shooting skills, particularly in catch-and-shoot scenarios, stand out, portraying him as a dependable three-point shooter with the potential for enhanced scoring consistency.
Noteworthy is his adeptness in defense, marked by physicality that disrupts opposing drives and strategic positioning to intercept passes.
Bronny's strengths extend to his passing ability and unselfish approach, earning praise for playing the game with precision and elevating his teammates.
While acknowledged for his defensive and shooting prowess, some suggest that an additional inch or two in height could further optimize his matchups with shooting guards, according to the Insider.
Key highlights of his career and how has he improved
Bronny James has accumulated significant highlights throughout his basketball journey:
Joining AAU Strive for Greatness Team: At just 9 years old, Bronny entered the basketball scene by joining the AAU Strive for Greatness team in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) under-16 in Indianapolis. This early exposure played a crucial role in showcasing his talent and fostering skill development.
2023 McDonald's All-American Game: Bronny James played in the 2023 McDonald's All-American Game, where he showcased his skills and improvement in various aspects of the game (Highlights from this game can be found on YouTube).
9th Grade Highlights: A YouTube video features Bronny James' top 60 most savage plays and moments from his 9th-grade year.
Playing for Sierra Canyon High School: His high school tenure at Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles marked a pivotal phase, where Bronny not only played alongside current and future NBA players but demonstrated his adaptability and contribution to a stacked team.
Scoring 18 Points Against Glenbard West: In a standout performance during his junior season at Sierra Canyon, Bronny showcased his scoring prowess by netting 18 points against Glenbard West, highlighting his potential as a high-caliber basketball player.
Committing to USC: Choosing to continue his basketball journey, Bronny committed to playing college basketball at the University of Southern California (USC), where he currently thrives as a freshman.
Bronny James made his debut for the USC Trojans on December 8, 2023, against Long Beach State. This game marked the beginning of his college basketball career and demonstrated his ability to adapt to a new level of competition.
Improving Shooting Skills: Bronny's dedication to refining his shooting skills, especially from three-point range, has transformed him into a solid three-point shooter with the promise of further enhancing his scoring consistency.
Developing Defensive Skills: Recognized for his defensive prowess, Bronny's physicality and ability to impede opposing drives and disrupt passing lanes underscore his well-rounded skill set.
NBA Draft scouting report suggests that as a young player with a genetic legacy, Bronny's height remains a dynamic aspect to monitor, with potential growth anticipated that could enhance his matchups, especially against shooting guards
Future in professional basketball
Ranked as a 4-star prospect and the eighth-best point guard in his class, Bronny faces tough competition, particularly from Andrej Stojakovic.
ESPN currently places him at 28th but projections vary, with some analysts seeing him as a potential second-round pick or a surefire lottery selection. Despite his high school status, Bronny showcases elite athleticism, smart passing, and defensive commitment.
While his scoring is a work in progress, there's ample time for improvement before his potential NBA entry. He's garnered scholarship offers from top colleges, including Michigan and Ohio State, yet remains undecided on his future path.
Sophomore season performance
In November 2020, during his sophomore year, Bronny played his first preseason game for California Basketball Club (CBC) representing Sierra Canyon, scoring nine points against Air Nado.
In February 2021, he tore his meniscus, underwent surgery, and missed the 2020–21 season due to the pandemic.
James returned in June, scoring seven points in a loss to Centennial High School during the CIF Southern Section Open Division final. Despite his absence, Sierra Canyon, led by junior Amari Bailey, finished the season with an impressive 16–2 record.
Junior season performance
In his junior season, Bronny's Sierra Canyon team, led by seniors Amari Bailey and Kijani Wright, saw exceptional success. On December 4, 2021, he scored 19 points in a 71–53 win over St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, stepping up in Bailey's absence.
However, the team faced an upset by Harvard-Westlake School in the CIF Southern Section Open Division semifinals, with Bronny contributing four points. Despite reaching the Open Division regional final, Sierra Canyon lost to Centennial High School, 83–59, with James held scoreless due to hip soreness.
The season concluded with a 26–5 record for the team. Throughout his junior year, Bronny averaged 8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game in 29 appearances.
Senior season performance
In his senior season, Bronny took on a leading role, sharing the court with his younger brother, Bryce. Before the regular season, he played exhibition games in Europe with Sierra Canyon teammates.
In October, a preseason game evacuation occurred due to a fight and reported gun sighting. Despite missing initial games with illness, Bronny made a strong debut on November 26, recording 13 points.
He scored 25 points in his first home game and faced a setback in January with a knee injury. Returning on February 1, he scored 19 points, but the team lost in the Mission League semifinals.
Sierra Canyon, after a challenging season, moved from the CIF Open Division to Division I. In the regional final, Bronny scored 10 points in a season-ending loss. As a senior, he averaged 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.8 steals, guiding his team to a 23–11 record.
Selected for the McDonald's All-American Game, Bronny scored 15 points and showcased his skills in the dunk contest. In the Nike Hoop Summit, he contributed 11 points as his team secured a 90–84 victory.
Is Bronny James growing taller?
Bronny James has shown significant growth in terms of his physical stature. He has experienced a notable growth spurt, transitioning from being a young fifth grader standing at 5'2" to his current status as a promising 6'3" NBA prospect.
How tall is Bronny James without shoes?
There are conflicting reports about Bronny James' height without shoes. Some sources suggest that he is around 6'1.75" barefoot, while others list him at 6'3" without shoes.
Is Bronny James good?
Bronny James has shown promise as a basketball player, with strengths in shooting, defensive skills, and high basketball IQ. He is known for his deep shooting range and has been praised for his ability to score from the perimeter.
What grade is Bronny James in?
Bronny James is currently a freshman at the University of Southern California (USC), having graduated from Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles in 2023.
Did Bronny James get the Covid shot?
There is no clear information available on whether Bronny James has received the COVID-19 vaccine. However, there have been social media claims tying his cardiac arrest to the vaccine, but there is no evidence to support this claim.
How is Bronny James doing?
Bronny James is doing well health-wise and is in the process of recovering from a recent heart issue. He underwent successful surgery and is currently rehabilitating to return to the basketball court for the USC Trojans.
According to LeBron James via New York Post, Bronny is "doing extremely well" and has begun the rehab process to get back on the floor with his teammates at USC.