$3.2 million NIL-valued Bronny James spends $10,000 on sneakers shopping just hours before 2024 NBA Draft
Former USC Trojans star Bronny James is one of the most intriguing prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft. The son of LA Lakers legend LeBron James spent the last few hours before the draft indulging in a passion of his.
He joined Complex reporter Joe La Puma in an exclusive interview where he showed his love for classic sneakers. Towards the end of the YouTube video, James had bought a collection of sneakers worth $10,000.
The $3.2 million NIL-valued James (as per On3) bought himself and his brother Bryce James several pairs of shoes and beanies that totaled $10,172.55. He paid for the goods using his credit card.
Bronny James gets high praise ahead of NBA Draft
Bronny James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists last season for the USC Trojans. Yet, his draft future has been a matter of considerable debate due to his potential and who his father is.
During an appearance on Podcast P, NBA star Paul George was complimentary towards Bronny and his possible adaptation to the NBA. He even compared the youngster to some big NBA stars.
"What's most impressive is just his (Bronny's) basketball savviness," George said. "His basketball IQ, he can do it all. I feel like he hasn't shown that he can really be elite at a lot of things, but I think he can be elite at a lot of things.
"I compare him to like the Jrue Holidays, the Derrick Whites, guys that are glue guys, that can go do everything on the floor and help you win," George said. "That's kinda how I see him. I saw him play in AAU and he just had an ability to get guys the ball, he had an ability to make guys better, he just played such a control play. I see it. He doesn't need to be a star."
All through his high school career at Sierra Canyon, Bronny James was tabbed to be an elite prospect who would be a possible lottery pick. The events that unfolded in his sole season of college basketball have rendered that possibility nigh on impossible.
Rich Paul, LeBron and his son's agent, already publicly stated that his clients were not a package deal. That could open the door for any potential organization to pick Bronny with a lower pick.
Paul George highlighted this idea in his podcast, challenging teams to take a gamble on the raw basketball IQ shown by the former USC prospect.
According to ESPN, Bronny James is being projected as a second-round pick to the LA Lakers. This will put him in the same team as his father to form an intriguing partnership.