LeBron James always has his eye on the NBA, even in the offseason — and even the future of the league, particularly when it involves his eldest son.

Bronny James, who committed to play college ball for USC in 2023, could be eligible for the NBA — as early as this time next year ahead of the ’24 season.

The 38-year-old James has long spoken about his desire to play with his son, notwithstanding his ostensibly attention-seeking mentioning of possibly retiring after being swept by Denver in May.

James shared an Instagram post showing his son to be the No. 17 overall pick to the Atlanta Hawks in ESPN’s 2024 mock Draft — and doesn’t seem to disappointed at the possibility of setting up in the A.

‘Wellllll ATL shawty the #JamesGang will be pulling up!’ James wrote, followed by three laughing emojis.

LeBron doesn't seem to disappointed at potentially setting up in ATL if Bronny is drafted there

 

LeBron doesn’t seem to disappointed at potentially setting up in ATL if Bronny is drafted there

Bronny James, the 18-year-old son of Lakers star LeBron James, is eligible for the 2024 Draft

Bronny James, the 18-year-old son of Lakers star LeBron James, is eligible for the 2024 Draft

The younger James announced his decision on Instagram, ending more than a year of speculation about his future

Bronny will be staying in Southern California

The younger James announced his decision on Instagram May 6, ending more than a year of speculation about his future. ‘Fight On,’ he wrote, adding the hashtag, ‘#committed’

James Sr. can opt out of his Lakers contract in '24, the same year his son is eligible for the NBA

James Sr. can opt out of his Lakers contract in ’24, the same year his son is eligible for the NBA

Unprompted, James brought up that he would consider the possibility of retiring after 20 seasons in the NBA.

‘We’ll see what happens going forward. But I don’t know,’ James said. ‘I don’t know. I’ve got a lot to think about, to be honest. I got a lot to think about,’ James said after scoring 40 points as the Lakers dropped Game 4 as their season ended.

‘Just personally with me moving forward with the game of basketball… I got a lot to think about.’

The younger James announced his decision to play NCAA basketball on Instagram May 6, ending more than a year of speculation about his future. ‘Fight On,’ he wrote, referencing a Trojans slogan and adding the hashtag, ‘#committed.’

Unsurprisingly, Bronny chose a Nike school, aligning him with the apparel giant that has helped turn his father into a billionaire. And as an added benefit, he’ll remain in the LA area, playing less than an hour from his high school, Sierra Canyon.

‘One of the best days of my life,’ LeBron said later that night via SportsNet. ‘First of all, congratulations to Bronny… I’m super proud of him. For me, personally it’s even more special to me because it’s the first time someone out of my family [will] go to college.

LeBron can opt out of his current Lakers contract in 2024, as Bronny is eligible to be drafted.

‘Man, Bronny definitely better than some of these cats I’ve been watching on league pass today,’ LeBron tweeted in March. ‘S*** lightweight hilarious.’