In their teenage years, LeBron James and his high school sweetheart, Savannah Brinson, became parents when they welcomed their first child shortly after James earned the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
They named their son LeBron James Jr., but he became affectionately known as Bronny.
Now 18 years old, Bronny James had a vastly different upbringing compared to his father’s challenging childhood as the only child of a single mother in Akron, Ohio. Growing up in a world of wealth and fame, Bronny was fortunate to have two loving and devoted parents, as well as two younger siblings, creating a close-knit family unit affectionately referred to as “The James Gang” by their proud father. The family’s journey took them from Cleveland to Miami, back to Cleveland, and eventually to Los Angeles.
The offspring of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer wholeheartedly embraced his father’s sport, and his performance has flourished, earning him recognition and opportunities purely based on his talent rather than relying on his famous surname. Despite the weight of his family name, he was heavily sought after by elite Los Angeles high schools for his basketball skills. Ultimately, he made the decision to further his career at the University of Southern California, a significant milestone on his path likely leading to a successful NBA career.
The recent cardiac arrest incident during his practice with the USC Trojans has cast uncertainty over Bronny James’ future basketball career. As he remains hospitalized, it’s difficult to predict the impact it may have on his journey to the NBA.
Nevertheless, Bronny James is already a prominent figure in American sports due to the combination of his famous name and his basketball prowess. His social media presence, particularly on Instagram with 7.5 million followers, has made him a significant influencer, leading to a remarkable valuation of his name, image, and likeness at $6.3 million according to On3.com.
Despite his influence, Bronny has respected his father’s wishes and seldom granted interviews. His social media activity is either guarded, reflecting his status as the child of a major celebrity, or features sponsored content. Still, he occasionally shares glimpses of his life as a happy high school student who enjoys video games, family time, and eagerly anticipates his college experience.
Choosing to attend USC, Bronny announced his decision three months after his father, LeBron James, surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA scoring record with the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2023. By joining USC, Bronny stays close to home, just two miles away from the Lakers’ downtown arena, which allows him to maintain independence while honing his basketball skills and aiming for a lasting career in the NBA.
LeBron James was ecstatic when his son, Bronny, made the decision to opt for a college experience rather than joining a professional NBA preparatory team. This choice held special significance for LeBron, as he believed Bronny would become the first in their family lineage to attend a university.
For years, LeBron has expressed his desire to play in the NBA at the same time as his son. However, Bronny would not be eligible for the league until the earliest fall of 2024. By that time, LeBron would be entering his 22nd season in the NBA, potentially matching the record for the longest career in the league’s history. The prospect of sharing the NBA court with his son has been a cherished aspiration for LeBron, making Bronny’s college decision all the more meaningful for the James family.