Bronny James focused on simply 'getting to the league' - ESPN

CHICAGO — As Bronny James leaned back in his chair and surveyed the swarm of media members that had surrounded him Tuesday night at the NBA draft combine, he acknowledged the extra attention that comes with being the son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James can be «a lot sometimes.»

Yet, the 19-year-old USC guard reiterated Tuesday that his goal is simply to play in the NBA, not necessarily on the same team as his father.

«I would be happy about getting to the league instead of me thinking about playing with my dad,» Bronny James said Tuesday evening. «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.»

James said he had been in contact this week with his father, who has checked in with words of encouragement. But although the two share the same name, James said Tuesday he was focused on creating his own name for himself.

He shot down comparisons of lead initiators of offense around the NBA and instead compared his game to players such as the Boston Celtics' Jrue Holiday and Derrick White or the Sacramento Kings' Davion Mitchell for the way they influence winning by exceling in their roles.

«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.

»Everyone's heard this before. I just want to have people know my name is Bronny James and not being identified as just LeBron James' son. I feel like that would great."

James got a chance to start separating himself at the combine, after being cleared to participate this week by