Sources from NBA teams have expressed difficulty in securing workouts with Bronny James. The young prospect has worked out individually for the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers, according to his agent, Rich Paul. This strategy, as Paul notes, is deliberate and designed to ensure Bronny lands in a team that truly values him.
Agent's Strategy and Defense
Rich Paul firmly defends that Bronny has not received different treatment than other players under his representation. The goal is always to find a team that values his client and to ensure that the player lands there. The same strategy has been successfully employed with other players like Talen Horton-Tucker, Brandon Boston Jr., and Chris Livingston, all of whom secured guaranteed deals with few workouts.
Paul also points to previous successes with MarJon Beachamp and Darius Garland as proof that his methods work. While withholding medical information from teams is now prohibited by the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, Paul seems to have adapted his strategies accordingly.
Context and Developmental Needs
NBA teams are particularly interested in evaluating Bronny James in various contexts outside his performances at USC. Rich Paul stresses that understanding the context and developmental needs of Bronny is crucial. "This is nothing new," Paul says. "The goal is to find a team that values your guy and try to push him to get there."
Paul emphasizes that these strategic maneuvers are designed to ensure that Bronny secures a legitimate opportunity in the NBA. "If you plan on bringing Bronny in, here's what you need to know: If you won't give him a real deal, there's nothing to talk about," Paul insists.
LeBron's Influence and Future Plans
LeBron James has previously expressed a desire to team up with his son in the NBA, but the narrative seems to have evolved. According to Paul, LeBron hasn't been fixated on the idea of playing alongside Bronny lately. Having completed his 21st season, LeBron could potentially enter free agency soon.
For Bronny, the focus remains on making it to the league rather than sharing the court with his father. "LeBron is off this idea of having to play with Bronny. If he does, he does. But if he doesn't, he doesn't," Paul reveals. The rumors suggesting that LeBron would re-sign with the Lakers if they draft Bronny are dispelled by Paul. "There's no deal made that it's guaranteed that if the Lakers draft Bronny at 55, he (LeBron) will re-sign," he clarifies.
Potential Destinations for Bronny
It appears that Bronny is likely done with workouts unless something unexpected transpires. The connection between LeBron re-signing with the Lakers and Bronny being drafted seems to be non-existent. "If that was the case, I would force them to take him at 17. We don't need leverage," Paul asserts.
The possibility of LeBron moving to Phoenix for a minimum deal has also been quashed. Potential suitors for Bronny include the Timberwolves, Mavericks, and Raptors. Notably, Mavericks' Nico Harrison is reported to have a good relationship with Bronny. The Raptors, particularly Masai Ujiri, the team’s president, have shown significant interest and could even select Bronny without a workout if they have a pick at 31.
Jonathan Givony notes that this strategic planning adds complexity to Bronny's draft experience. The basketball world is undoubtedly watching closely to see where Bronny will ultimately land. The goal, as reiterated by Paul, remains straightforward: to ensure Bronny gets a genuine and valued opportunity in the NBA. "Rich Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding the context," and, as he puts it, "Bronny is the same as my previous clients."
The stakes are high, and the speculation surrounding both Bronny’s and LeBron’s future continues to add intrigue. However, one thing is clear: the deliberate strategies employed by Rich Paul are designed with the sole purpose of carving out the best possible path for Bronny James to succeed.