The NBA’s Fitness to Play Panel has medically cleared USC’s Bronny James to be drafted and play in the league, sources told ESPN.
The NBA plans to inform teams Monday that the panel’s three physicians evaluated and approved James, sources said, allowing him to fully participate in this week’s pre-draft combine — an important step to make a case to team executives about his viability as a 2024 draft prospect.
Sources said James — the son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James — is expected to take part in the combine’s 5-on-5 scrimmage games beginning Tuesday, which will give NBA executives a closer examination of James after a disappointing freshman season at USC.
James was sidelined for several months after his heart issues, and that clearly took a toll on his readiness to make an impact as a Trojans freshman, as he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game. James has declared for the June draft while maintaining his college eligibility.