The expectation for Bronny James was to be a one-to-one copy of LeBron James. Avid spectators would grow to realize that players often have different gifts imparted to them that can be used on the court. Coming out of USC, it was very clear that Coach Andy Enfield and the rest of the college basketball world were using him as an elite defender with some playmaking. All of that was displayed against other prospects when the former Trojans player had to battle it out with the rest of the field at the NBA Draft Combine.

Bronny James' headspace

May 14, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Bronny James talks to the media during the 2024 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Bronny James is already making a strong case for himself in the NBA Draft Combine. There were some maneuvers that he executed throughout the draft process that were not highlighted quite a lot at USC. It might be because he was playing alongside other star guards Isaiah Collier and Boogie Ellis, who are also both trying to be acquired in the NBA Draft. But, it looks like he is already breaking out of his shell.

Bronny James, much like LeBron James, posits that all of this can be directly attributed to the proper mindset. The one that he is employing throughout the NBA Draft Combine is surely helping him out a lot, via NBA Draft.

“I always try to come out and play with the most effort. I try to play the right way, I play hard. And, I will always play hard, and I feel like that shows up on the defensive end. Yeah, I just try to focus on that and that's what will give me minutes in the long run,” the former USC player declared.

It has all worked out so far. He is on the second day of the combine. It even looks like he could be one of the rising prospects heading into draft night.

Bronny James' NBA Draft Combine so far

The NBA Draft Combine is an opportunity for selected prospects to showcase all the skills that they have. All of this comes without a coach or system inhibiting them. This is why fans are seeing guys like Zach Edey and Donovan Clingan pull up from three despite the two seldom using that part of their arsenal. The same goes for Bronny James. He has been playmaking a lot more and locking up ballhandlers very well. His comparisons are Jrue Holiday, Davion Mitchell, and Gary Harris, it's hard not to see why.

In his latest game in the NBA Draft Combine, Bronny James faced tough opponents. Jamal Shead, Keshad Johnson, Trey Alexander and Payton Sandfort were all going up against the former USC player. But, James popped off on both ends of the floor and was not at all fazed. He played nearly 23 minutes and knocked down 40% of his shots from the field. All of this was to notch a team-high 13 points.

What made this feat more impressive was that his teammates were not at all slouches. Baylor Scheierman, Alex Karaban, Antonio Reeves, Mark Sears, and Adem Bona were all big names in college just a few months ago. Hopefully, all of this momentum will help him fulfill his dreams and LeBron James' hopes in the coming weeks.