Why Bronny James’ Social Media Fame Matters More Than His NBA Draft Status

By Edcel Panganiban September 05, 2025 00:29

Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, has burst onto the basketball scene not just for his skills but for the powerful brand he has cultivated through social media. While traditional sports narratives often focus on draft ranks and in-game performance, Bronny’s social media presence reveals a new dimension to an athlete’s influence one that arguably shapes his future as much as his NBA draft status.

At just 20 years old, Bronny made NBA history when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2024-25 season alongside his father, becoming part of the first active father-son duo in league history. While he was selected late in the second round, his draft status alone does not fully encapsulate his impact. Off the court, Bronny commands a staggering social media following, boasting over 8 million Instagram followers, which rivals many established NBA stars.

This widespread digital influence matters for several reasons. Firstly, social media extends a player’s reach far beyond the traditional basketball fan base. Bronny has built a community of millions who engage daily with his content, ranging from training routines and lifestyle glimpses to endorsements and personal moments. This engagement fuels lucrative sponsorship deals and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements, which are becoming central to an athlete’s earning potential even before NBA stardom is fully realized. As one sports analyst noted, “Bronny’s digital footprint could rival the commercial appeal of top draft picks simply because of his accessibility and narrative”.

Furthermore, social media fame offers Bronny a platform to shape his personal brand and public image proactively. Unlike conventional athletes whose media portrayal depends on journalists’ lenses, Bronny controls how fans perceive his identity. Recently, his viral one-handed dunk during the 2025 NBA Summer League went viral, accumulating over 5.7 million views on NBA X’s social accounts, sparking social media buzz and praise, including a proud but wordless shoutout from LeBron James himself. These moments create emotional connections with fans that no box score can measure.

Critically, Bronny’s social media clout provides resilience against the volatility often tied to draft expectations and early career struggles. In his rookie year, Bronny averaged modest stats 2.3 points and 0.8 assists per game but his social media profile continued to grow steadily. This dual presence helps maintain relevance and marketability even when the on-court role is still evolving. For emerging players, this stability is a game-changer.

The broader NBA landscape increasingly reflects this trend. Players like LeBron James and Luka Doncic lead in social media followers with astonishing numbers LeBron alone has amassed over 159 million Instagram followers, while Luka and Bronny also rank among the top 25 most-followed NBA players. This shift highlights that today’s athlete is not just an on-court performer but also a digital influencer.

While Bronny James’ NBA draft position will forever serve as a milestone, it is his social media fame that arguably holds greater significance for his long-term career trajectory. Through millions of followers, viral moments, and personal storytelling, Bronny is carving a unique path that blends athletic potential with modern digital culture. This combination not only enhances his earning power and marketability but also solidifies his lasting presence in the basketball world regardless of the number beside his name on draft night.