NBA | DRAFT 2024
“LeBron could leave the Lakers even if they choose Bronny”
Rich Paul, the head of the Klutch Sports Group offered his views on possible destinations for the 19-year-old and maintains that other destinations apart from the Lakers are possible.
It’s quite common for sports agents to talk openly about potential moves for players and speculation is always rife ahead of any draft but the smalltalk surrounding Bronny James (eldest son of Lakers star LeBron James) has taken things to another level.
Ever since his father hinted that one of his last basketball dreams was for both father and son to share the court wearing the same jersey, debates have surrounded the 19-year-olds future with the many highlighting the teenagers poor performances and his health issues that hindered the start to the season at USC Trojans.
Bronny may be on the small side for top level basketball (6 ft. 2 inches) but has quick hands and shows a fine understanding for the game and with his body now fully developed, he has all the credentials to become a solid NBA player. That said, he is not of superstar quality and it’s almost impossible will ever emulate his father’s level with LeBron hailed as one of the best players of all-time.
Bronny’s agent Rich Paul (LeBron’s right-hand man) spoke to ESPN ahead of the draft and offered a sincere snapshot relating to the 19-year-old who has to carry an extreme level of expectation on his shoulders.
LeBron factor
Paul explained that only the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers have been able to work first-hand with Bronny and conversations with LeBron being instrumental in any potential move with the 39-year-old (now a free agent).
As things stand, everything indicates that LeBron will continue with the Lakers and that his interest in the father-son court reunion has been cooling, or so Paul assures: “LeBron no longer has that in his head. If it happens, good. If not, also good. There is nothing that ensures that he will go to the Lakers with the 55th pick if LeBron renews. If it were such an arrangement, I would have them take him with their other pick, 17. We don’t need to push. The Lakers may choose Bronny and LeBron will not renew with them. And LeBron is not going to go to Phoenix with a minimum contract just because his son is there”.
The Suns chose DaRon Holmes II with their first pick on Wednesday and the Lakers selected Dalton Knecht. Bronny will have to wait for the second round of the Draft on Thursday to discover his destination with Paul adding: “We want him to go to a team that values him and we do everything possible to guide his selection in this way, it is nothing new. It’s the strategy I follow with my players, especially those who need, like Bronny, time to develop and grow as players. “It’s the way I plan things,” Paul clarifies adding, “I don’t care if he goes to the Lakers, the Suns or wherever, it’s just about that it fits,” he explained as part of the ESPN interview.
The super agent went on to mention other teams that have shown degrees of interest in the guard: “Minnesota, Dallas, Toronto... If he doesn’t go to the Lakers, he will go to another team. The Wolves would love to have him, but I don’t know who will own him. Mavs general manager Nico Harrison is like an uncle to Bronny. If the Lakers don’t pick him at 55 and he’s still there, the Mavs would pick him at 58 and give him a guaranteed contract”.