Bronny James has until Wednesday night to decide if he wants to return to college next season, but the 19-year-old has already made up his mind.
James’ agent Rich Paul told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Jonathan Givony on Wednesday morning that Bronny will forgo his remaining college eligibility.
“He’s staying in the draft,” Paul said.
Paul also reiterated that Bronny will not sign a two-way contract.
“He’s a really good prospect who has a lot of room for growth,” Paul told ESPN. “It only takes one team. I don’t care where that team is — it can be No. 1 or 58 — [but] I do care about the plan, the development. The team’s strategy, the opportunity and the financial commitment. That’s why I’m not doing a two-way deal. Every team understands that.”
James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists while playing 19.4 minutes per game in his lone season at USC. He did not make his debut until mid-December after suffering a cardiac arrest during the offseason. He underwent a procedure to treat a congenital heart defect and has since been fully cleared by doctors.
Many believe the Los Angeles Lakers will draft Bronny so he can play with his father, LeBron James. Paul insists he wants the Lakers to treat Bronny like every other prospect, and there have been indications recently that LeBron will not try to influence the situation.
Bronny has received invitations to work for more than 10 teams ahead of the June 26 NBA Draft, but he is only planning to visit with two of them as of now.
