Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, is determined to carve out his path in the NBA.
Speaking to reporters at the NBA Draft Combine on Tuesday, James acknowledged the extra attention that comes with being part of the James family but emphasized his goal is to make it to the league on his own merit.
“I would be happy about getting to the league instead of me thinking about playing with my dad,” James said. “That’s not my mindset or not at all. I’m just trying to put in the work and see where it takes me from there.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Bronny James, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
James, a guard from USC, has declared for the June 26-27 draft while maintaining his college eligibility. He has until May 29 to decide whether to stay in the draft or return to college, where he’s exploring the transfer portal.
Despite his famous last name, James wants to establish his own identity in the NBA.
“Bronny was just a nickname that I was just given when I was younger,” James said. “But everything that follows my dad, people just try to link me with that and all the greatness that he’s achieved. I haven’t done anything yet, so I feel like there needs to be that divide between Bronny and LeBron.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Bronny James, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
James participated in a scrimmage at the combine, scoring four points and grabbing four rebounds in 19 minutes. He’s still getting over lingering doubts from a cardiac arrest and heart procedure nine months ago, but is grateful to be back on the court.
“It was a tough time for sure,” James said. “But all this work that I’ve put in, it just really built me into someone that would never give up, and it paid off. I put in the work after that situation, and I’m back to where I want to be.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Bronny James, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
James plans to take his time making a final decision on his future. “A lot of thought, a lot of alone time by myself and thinking about where I want to be and where my heart wants me to be,” James said.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
