Bronny James on Thursday made the stunning decision to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft. The internet was more than ready to joke around about the USC Trojans guard’s bold move.
James on Friday declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old announced the news on his personal Instagram account.
BREAKING: Bronny James will enter the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility and will also enter the transfer portal pic.twitter.com/rQnRXClacN
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 5, 2024
Bronny James Declared For the NBA Draft. The Memes Came Shortly Thereafter.
James’ announcement came with a short message thanking those who have been a part of his journey so far. The former USC youngster maintained his college eligibility, which means he could return to college should draft interest not be sufficient.
“I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added to the growth for me as a man, student and athlete. I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and I will also be entering the transfer portal,” said Bronny.
“Thank you to USC for an amazing Freshman year, and as always thankful to my family, friends, doctors, athletic trainers and fans for their support.”
Fans on X had a field day with every Bronny meme imaginable.
Some imagined teams lining up to draft Bronny to have a chance to sign his father LeBron James.
Teams after they draft Bronny just to sign LeBron pic.twitter.com/LxghGa1nn4
— ©️ (@V1N1JR) April 5, 2024
Others already expect Bronny James to be on the Lakers next season. Hilarity could very well ensue in such a scenario.
Bronny coming back to the bench after using up all of Max Christie’s minutes: pic.twitter.com/ubP9E5D7I9
— The Pettiest Laker Fan 🤫 (@ThePettiestLA) April 5, 2024
LeBron waking Bronny up for the first day of Lakers training camp next season pic.twitter.com/aOXotG4qnY
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) April 5, 2024
LeBron James felt like a Bronny team-up could bring King James’ GOAT case to a different stratosphere.
Lebron James retiring next season and winning his 6th championship with his son Bronny James making him the undisputed GOAT of basketball 🐐
This script couldn't be more perfect pic.twitter.com/3DLeETyrU2
— Red ❤️🔥 (@RedLightning420) April 5, 2024
Every single angle was basically covered by all the meme lords on X. They were more than ready for such an occasion.
“I remember talking to Bronny at breakfast this morning, I told him the tectonic plates don’t feel right today…” pic.twitter.com/Mwp28EeY5J
— costa (@andrew_costa16) April 5, 2024
Bronny James when he takes his first shot in the NBA after LeBron convinced him to enter the draft: pic.twitter.com/ZkExoSHt55
— alex (@AlexUlrichh) April 5, 2024
I don’t want to put too much pressure on Bronny James, but he better be as good as his father is, immediately.
— Gourmet Spud (@gourmetspud) April 5, 2024
The important caveat in Bronny James’ announcement is that he was retaining his eligibility to return to college. Given the younger James’ meager production during his first season at USC, there’s a decent chance teams — without an ulterior LeBron motive — wouldn’t be willing to burn a draft pick on an unproven prospect.
But Bronny at least gave fans on social media something to be excited about before Final Four and the NBA Playoffs begin.