Nike sneakers Bronny James bought during his 10-grand outing ahead of 2024 NBA draft
Former USC Trojans prospect Bronny James treated himself to several pairs of sneakers during an exclusive interview with Complex reporter Joe La Puma.
During the interview, the NBA Draft hopeful showed off his extensive knowledge of the various signature shoes that Nike has produced bearing his father's input.
The $3.2 million NIL-valued James (as per On3) bought 10 pairs of sneakers for himself and his brother Bryce James during the visit, costing a total of $10,172.55.
The sneakers included:
- G-Dragon x Nike Air Force 1
- Off-White x Nike Air Presto
- Three pairs of CPFM x Nike Air Force 1 Low,
- Clot x Nike Air Force 1
- Off-White x Nike Air Rubber Dunk
- Nike LeBron 11
- Nike Kobe 8 Christmas
- Nike Kobe 8 Prelude.
Bronny James and his father's futures not tied together
Over the past two years, the future of Bronny James has been presented as intertwined with that of his father, LA Lakers star LeBron James. This happened after LeBron stated that he wanted to play with his son.
In ESPN's latest mock draft, the younger James is slated to be picked at No. 55 by the LA Lakers. The latter team have just appointed his father's friend and podcast mate JJ Redick as their permanent coach.
Indeed, Bronny James has only worked out with the Phoenix Suns and the LA Lakers, having declined workouts with other teams. It's a move that is deliberate according to his agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul.
In an interview with ESPN's Jonathan Givony, Paul dismissed the notion that his two client's futures were tied together.
"Bronny is the same as my previous clients," Rich Paul said. "I got the word out early to teams that if you plan on bringing Bronny in, here's what you need to know: If you won't give him a real deal, there's nothing to talk about. It's hard to get real development on a two-way deal.
"I don't care about him going to the Lakers, or Phoenix, or about what number he gets picked. It's about fit. LeBron is off this idea of having to play with Bronny. If he does, he does. But if he doesn't, he doesn't. There's no deal made that it's guaranteed that if the Lakers draft Bronny at 55, he [LeBron] will re-sign."
The Lakers seemed to have settled one area of the team with the recent appointment of JJ Redick as the coach. The future of LeBron James is still up in the air as he holds all the cards and is keeping them close to his chest.
Whether the draft status of Bronny James will sway LeBron's decision is one of the reasons why all eyes will be on the former USC Trojan's prospects status during the Draft.