In a decision that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, Bronny James, the University of Southern California guard and son of NBA superstar LeBron James, has officially declared for the NBA draft. The 19-year-old guard made the announcement ahead of Wednesday night's deadline to withdraw and retain his college eligibility.

The decision by Bronny James holds significant ramifications, not just for his own future, but for his family and the league as a whole. Speculation has already begun to swirl about the possibility of Bronny joining forces with his father in the NBA next season, creating a father-son duo reminiscent of the iconic pairings of the NHL's Howes and MLB's Griffeys.

Bronny, born LeBron Raymone James Jr., has been under the spotlight since a young age due to his famous surname and basketball prowess. Viral videos showcasing his skills have captivated audiences since elementary school, leading to offers from college programs before he even reached his teenage years.

LeBron James himself has expressed a strong desire to share the court with his son, stating in a previous interview that he wants to do the "whole Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. thing." The elder James has emphasized the importance of hard work for Bronny to achieve his goal of playing in the NBA, while also expressing his eagerness to see their paths intersect, either as teammates or opponents.

Unlike his father, Bronny opted to pursue a college basketball career, enrolling at the University of Southern California last summer. However, his debut season faced a setback when he suffered cardiac arrest during a practice session in July. After receiving treatment for a congenital heart defect, Bronny was eventually cleared to play and made his college debut in December.

Despite an underwhelming freshman season, Bronny's draft stock has risen following strong performances in pre-draft workouts. Impressively showcasing his three-point shooting and athleticism, he has caught the attention of scouts and improved his prospects going into the NBA draft.

While the idea of the Jameses joining forces in the NBA seems appealing, it is by no means guaranteed. Bronny still needs to be drafted or signed as a free agent by an NBA team. Interestingly, LeBron James has the option to become a free agent this summer following a contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022. This has sparked speculation that the two could potentially end up on the same team.

However, LeBron himself has downplayed the rumors, acknowledging that the ultimate decision rests with his son. As the Lakers' playoff run came to an early end, LeBron expressed that he hadn't given much thought to the possibility and highlighted the importance of Bronny making his own choices.

With the draft quickly approaching on June 26-27, Bronny's journey to the NBA is set to intensify as he engages in workouts with prospective teams. The basketball world eagerly awaits to see which path Bronny James will forge and whether he will eventually join his father on the NBA stage.