Bronny James just took home a top prize in the gaming world.
The Los Angeles Lakers player participated in the “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” Tournament, which was held during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, NV, Bleacher Report mentions.
James outperformed Charlotte Hornets’ Grant Williams and Detroit Pistons’ Bobi Klintman during a drill contest that lasted two minutes, with James scoring 84 points. As a result, he walked away victorious with a $10,000 prize pool and a “Call of Duty” championship belt.
The outlet also notes James had previously played in other “Call of Duty” tournaments and competed for a $25,000 prize in “Modern Warfare III” back in May.
James’ interest in gaming should come as no surprise. In fact, in 2020 he became a member of esports group FaZe Clan, TMZ Sports reported at the time.
“He joined as our newest member. It’s a very authentic relationship that developed between FaZe talent and Bronny directly,” said a FaZe Clan representative. “As an avid gamer himself, Bronny developed a relationship with FaZe talent over time playing CoD, Fortnite, NBA2K and more at a high skill level, and often with other FaZe members. Everyone is incredibly excited to have him as our newest member.”
James was not signed under a formal contract with FaZe Clan to ensure there would be no conflict with his basketball eligibility in high school and college as this was before amateur athletes were allowed to have name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
“It’s important to point out Bronny isn’t ‘signed’ to FaZe Clan,” explained Chelsey Northern, head of communications for FaZe Clan, according to The Washington Post. “He does not have a contract with FaZe Clan. … It’s an organic relationship between the talent [within FaZe] and Bronny.”
James confirmed his involvement on an Instagram story writing at the time, “Me joining faze don’t change anything. Don’t think it’s sweet. I’m still locked, coming for heads.”
His father and now Lakers teammate, LeBron James, responded, “Straight Up Simba!”
