Keyshawn Johnson predicts what Bronny James commitment does for USC basketball
Bronny James sent waves across the entire sports landscape over the weekend when he decided to commit to USC. The son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James may have to sit through some traffic, but won’t have to travel far when he steps foot on campus for usc from Sierra Canyon high school.
Former USC and NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson knows a thing or two about being a student-athlete for the Trojans, and on ESPN’s ‘KJM’ show he spoke about what Bronny’s commitment means, starting with its impact on his potential to one day play alongside his father.
“LeBron and his people are smart enough to know, regardless to what people say,” Johnson said. “Because you’re going to hear everybody say if he’s ready to go to the next level, if he’s not ready to go to the next level. They’re smart enough though to know when that time is for his son to go to the next level.”
Many years ago LeBron James expressed his desire to play with his sons one day in the NBA, an opinion he has since doubled down on following Bronny’s commitment.
Bronny will be eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft following his freshman season at USC, which will naturally come with murmurs of him finally teaming up with LeBron at the next level. But Johnson is confident that James will wait until the time as right to take his talents to the next level, despite LeBron being in the midst of his 20th NBA season.
Johnson also believes the James’ commitment does have the potential to take the USC brand to new heights.
“This going to attract other recruits that say oh man I’ll go play with Bronny, I want to go play with them, I want to go to SC now. All of this is a smart move by the athletic department there’s no question about it,” Johnson said.
James is ranked the No. 23 prospect and the No. 5 point guard in the nation according to On3’s Industry Ranking, and he will be joined by On3’s No. 1 overall prospect Isaiah Collier who is already signed with USC. James is also ranked No. 1 in On3’s NIL Rankings, with a current valuation of $5.9 million, with USC quarterback Caleb Williams coming in at the No. 3 spot valued at $2.6 million.
USC was already on the map before James’ commitment, but his arrival will likely add even more bright lights to the Los Angeles sports scene than there already were.