It's impossible to separate Bronny James from LeBron James. His father is only one of the greatest players of all time and the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

After a marginal freshman season, if he were a different prospect named Jonny Brames, he'd likely return to USC (or transfer to another NCAA opportunity). Instead, James, the son, is expected to stick in June's NBA Draft and will probably be selected in the second or even the first round.

After extensive research at the combine in Chicago, what's the objective word in NBA circles on Bronny James?

James is a Legit NBA Prospect

While USC listed James at 6'4", he measured just 6'1", initially hurting his stock. At the Combine, he played in two games and was not especially noticeable in the first, but much improved in the second.

However, James is not getting attention exclusively because of his father. One former Eastern Conference executive noted that James is a significantly better prospect than Kostas Antetokounmpo was in the 2018 draft (selected by the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 60 on behalf of the Dallas Mavericks). In that case, he was chosen more because it might curry favor with his brother Giannis Antetokounmpo, and his NBA career was appropriately brief.

The executive said that James belongs on every team's top 100. Is he a clear top-58 in this year's draft (two selections have been forfeited)? That's subjective relative to a front office's player evaluation preferences, but it's reasonable for James to end up on an NBA team next season via draft or as a two-way player.

NBA Comparisons

James is point-guard-sized in height but not skill—at least not yet. He seems to have a decent, unselfish feel for the game. At 210 lbs., James can be a strong physical presence, and he seems to enjoy making an impact on defense.

Suggested player comps include Miles McBride, De'Anthony Melton, Gabe Vincent and Davion Mitchell. Vincent went undrafted, joined the Miami Heat as a two-way player, and eventually started for the team on a memorable NBA Finals run in 2023.

McBride averaged 11.3 points a game through 12 postseason appearances with the New York Knicks. As the 36th pick in 2021, McBride shot just 25 percent from three-point range as a rookie. That improved to 41 percent this past regular season.

Why His USC Stats Don't Matter

James played 25 games for the Trojans, with six starts. He averaged just 4.8 points in 19.4 minutes a game and shot 26.7 percent from three.

But he was also working his way from a serious cardiac incident, including surgery to correct a congenital heart defect.

"You try playing collegiate hoops after what was basically a heart attack," one executive said. "Him just being on the court is impressive. We need to look at what we think he'll be, not what he was at USC."

Who Might Draft James?

This is the big question, and there's no way to extricate James from his father entirely. He'll join the NBA as a nepo baby and a significant amount of attention.

Naturally, the Los Angeles Lakers are the most obvious candidate at Nos. 17 or 55. James doesn't project to be the former unless LA is making a business decision to ensure LeBron James re-signs this offseason. The Lakers could also trade into a late first or earlier second if they worry that No. 55 is too low.

Competing executives suggested any number of smaller market teams might draft James to raise attendance or get a few extra nationally televised games. Or just a front office that thinks he is a prospect worth developing.

The buzz was mid-to-high second-rounder when ignoring the politics. Would a team draft James hoping to lure his father via free agency?

Not many teams have the cap room necessary to sign James outright, assuming he opts out of his final year at $51.4 million. The consensus franchise to watch was the Philadelphia 76ers, with the 41st pick and a massive haul of cap space to spend. Would James the elder join Joel Embiid, fellow Klutch Sports point guard Tyrese Maxey and a recently drafted James on the East Coast?

The Detroit Pistons could be a wild card with enough cap room to pay James, and while No. 53 may not be high enough, the team has the means to trade up if necessary. If the Orlando Magic want to shift direction, the team has the money and the No. 47 pick.

Any number of teams could use their pick on James, the prospect, but if the goal is to tempt his father, few others have comparable money to spend.

Most-Likely Outcome

Like any prospect, James needs to make the most out of whatever opportunity he gets. If he puts in the work and develops, he could carve out a lengthy career in the league as a role player. His initial focus should be on defense and shooting. Longer term, he needs to improve as a shot-creator.

The most likely spot for him is to land with the Lakers, either at No. 55 or by the team climbing via trade to select him. The team could keep him on the standard roster or sign him as a two-way. Either way, he would probably spend most of his time with the South Bay Lakers.

If another team selects him first—for basketball or business reasons—James will follow a similar development path. He needs time on the court to grow as a player, and that's likely part-time in the NBA but primarily in the G League.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on X/Twitter @EricPincus.