LeBron James hits out at talk of son Bronny joining the NBA after a mock draft predicted his eldest boy will enter league in 2025: ‘Let the kid be a kid’

LeBron James talked about mock drafts that project his son, Bronny, to enter the NBA lottery in 2025.

On Monday, the Lakers star took to X to comment on basketball news aggregator NBA Central’s report. The publication reported that Bronny, a freshman at USC, was removed from ESPN’s 2024 NBA mock draft and is now expected to enter the league next year.

“Can everyone please just let the kid be a kid and enjoy college basketball,” James wrote in a post that has since been deleted. ‘Ultimately, the work and results will speak for themselves, regardless of what he decides to do. If you don’t know he doesn’t care what a mock draft says, it just WORKS! Earned not given!’

After reiterating his son’s dedication to the sport, James commented on how unimportant mock drafts are.

“And to all the other kids out there striving to be great, just keep your head down, blinders on, and keep working,” he continued. These mock drafts don’t matter in the slightest! I promise you! Only WORK MATTERS!! Let’s talk about REAL BASKETBALL PEOPLE!’

Bronny James suffered cardiac arrest while working out with the USC Trojans last summer.

ESPN currently has Bronny projected to be picked 39th overall. NBA Draft 2025.

After On3 and NBACentral published posts about the projection, ESPN NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony reached out to clarify the reasoning behind Bronny’s placement.

“I know accuracy isn’t a big deal to you guys, but he hasn’t been in the 2024 mock draft since his heart issue in July.” Givony published.

On3 has since corrected its story and social media post. On the other hand, the NBA Central position remains at X.

The freshman is currently averaging 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game for USC.

Bronny attracted a lot of attention, not only as LeBron’s oldest son but also as a star at Sierra Canyon through high school. Shortly after committing to the Trojans, the freshman suffered cardiac arrest while training with the team over the summer.

After the health scare, Bronny prepared for his USC debut in December against Long Beach State, where he scored four points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in 17 minutes off the bench.

He is currently averaging 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists as the Trojans rank 11th in the Pac-12 with an 11-16 record.

While in his 21st season in the NBA, James has openly expressed his desire to play with his son in the league.