4:17 PM PT -- Bronny James never formally put pen to paper to join the legendary FaZe Clan ... a rep confirms he is not actually "signed" to the team, but is still very much a member.
So, what does it mean? Great question ...
Here's what we know ... Bronny is only 15 years old and a basketball prodigy with hopes of playing in college and also the NBA.
Signing a contract with an organization like FaZe Clan could possibly be an issue that affects his eligibility, if he's compensated -- and if the NCAA believes was he was signed because of his prowess as an athlete.
We reached out to FaZe Clan and a rep told us matter of factly -- "Bronny isn't 'signed' to FaZe Clan."
"He does not have a contract with FaZe Clan."
Instead, the relationship was explained to us this way ...
"He joined as our newest member. It's a very authentic relationship that developed between FaZe talent and Bronny directly."
"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."
Bottom line -- no contract should, in theory, mean no issues with eligibility at the high school or college level when it comes to Bronny's hoops career.
It seems to be more of an unofficial, casual "membership" -- not a professional one.
Bronny James is taking his talents to the sticks by joining the world-famous FaZe Clan ... and his superstar father is giving his stamp of approval!!
The move was announced Sunday ... with the 15-year-old H.S. hoops prodigy getting a big introduction from the pro Esports group.
"He's got n̶e̶x̶t̶ now. Join us in welcoming @bronny to FaZe Clan 👑" the post said on IG ... featuring a pic of James decked out in FaZe gear and a chain of the team's logo.
INTRODUCING FAZE BRONNY#FaZeUp pic.twitter.com/2GdWMq7ZEi
— FaZe Clan (@FaZeClan) August 30, 2020
The Sierra Canyon star is an avid gamer off the court, playing games like Fortnite and Call of Duty.
But, don't get it twisted -- Bronny made his intentions clear shortly after the news broke, saying he's still focused on the bigger picture.
"Me joining faze don't change anything," Bronny said. "I'm still locked, coming for heads."
LeBron echoed his son's message, saying, "Straight Up Simba!"
Of course, the Lakers superstar has always talked about his dream of playing alongside his oldest in the NBA ... and it seems he's not worried about video games taking away from that possibility.
The Bronny news comes one week after superstar Ben Simmons also joined forces with FaZe as an investor ... adding to a list of celeb-backers like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Offset and Swae Lee.
Originally published -- 7:53 AM PT