Los Angeles-based basketball fans will have a few options during the fall and winter to watch a James on the court. They can head over to the Crypto.com Arena to watch LeBron James and the Lakers or go to the Galen Center to see Bronny James and USC.
The father and son will give viewers different experiences in the game, however. LeBron James is heading into his age-39 campaign, and is a much different player than his son. He's a forward capable of posting up in the paint and playing a more physical game, while adding some versatility to play a long-range game when needed.
His son, on the other hand, is a smaller player and mans a different position. Bronny James is half a foot shorter than his dad and 60 pounds lighter, and is more known for his ability to shoot 3s and play incredible defense along the perimeter.
Bronny James has been in the spotlight as much as any high school basketball player given his dad and his talent (No. 22 in the nation, five-star, per 247Sports Composite Rankings). But as he prepares to play for USC, on a more national stage, eyes will be on him even more.
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As Bronny James prepares to head to college, there are plenty wondering whether he will try to follow his dad's footsteps with his choice in jersey number, or continue his past trend in wearing a different number.
Which number is he going with? Here's what you need to know.
What number will Bronny James wear at USC?
The school announced Bronny James will be wearing No. 6 with the Trojans, wearing the same number his dad wears with the Lakers and wore with the Heat.
FIRST LOOK: Bronny James will wear No. 6️⃣ for the Trojans. 👀 pic.twitter.com/FJdHXRCg9T
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) June 22, 2023
Bronny James number history
Bronny James has not always followed his father's lead when it comes to jersey numbers. Growing up, Bronny James wore the No. 0 before and during high school. He chose to wear the number after Russell Westbrook.
"I love that they carve their own path," LeBron James said back in 2016 of his sons' decisions to wear different numbers besides his own.
However, when Bronny James played in the McDonald's All-American Game and for Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit, he decided to wear the No. 6.
MORE: LeBron James high school history, stats
LeBron James number history
- No. 23 — Cavaliers 2003-10
- No. 6 — Heat: 2010-14
- No. 23 — Cavaliers: 2014-18
- No. 23 — Lakers: 2018-21
- No. 6 — Lakers: 2021-present
Back in high school, LeBron James wore the numbers 32 and 23 in basketball and No. 9 while playing football. When he reached the NBA, he wore the No. 23 with the Cavaliers until he signed with the Heat, and wore that number until he returned to Cleveland.
James then switched back to No. 6 to start his fourth season with the Lakers. He will continue wearing that number in the upcoming season.