NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger has confirmed the competition’s interest in bringing LeBron James Jr Down Under.
Lebron Jr, or Bronny as he’s known, is currently completing his final year of high school at Sierra Canyon in Los Angeles.
Given that he’s not NBA eligible until 2024, the son of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar will have to spend a year playing college, in the G League or professionally overseas.
If he does opt to head overseas, the NBL will hope to recruit him as part of their ‘Next Stars’ program where highly touted NBA draft prospects are contracted by the league and are placed with an NBL franchise - much like LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey.
Loeliger says the NBL has asked those in the know whether Bronny may be interested as he weighs up his next move.
“It’s a good question, we’ve asked a lot of people whether he might have (an) interest,” Loeliger told SEN Mornings.
“He’s certainly a talented player and he’s got a bit of pedigree, doesn’t he?
“He also has a pretty tight affinity with a number of US colleges and we know he has made a number of visits to some very big schools over there.”
Loeliger says feelers have been sent out to the James camp to gauge Bronny’s interest but admits it may be hard to lure him away from a potential college career.
“We’ve certainly reached out to have the conversation, it wouldn’t surprise me if he ended up somewhere like Oregon which coincides with Nike headquarters and it’s a big Nike school,” Loeliger said.
“Rumour has it his father has something to do with Nike these days (laughs), so there are affinities there that could be difficult to untangle.”
Despite a potential college pull, Loeliger sent a message to James Jr stating there’s definitely a spot for him in Australia’s top league if he so chooses that path.
“But at the same time, Bronny, if you’re listening, we’re here mate,” Loeliger said.
“We’ll find a spot for you.”
James Jr is ranked as the 38th overall prospect of his high school class and recent reports suggest he’s considering committing to one of Ohio State, USC or Oregon if he chooses the college route.
