The NBA Draft Saga of Bronny James: A Closer Look
Sources from a half-dozen NBA teams have expressed difficulty in securing workouts with 2024 draft prospect Bronny James. However, the agent for the former USC guard confirms that James has worked out individually for just two teams so far—the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers—and that is by design.
Agent's Strategy and Defense
Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports Group and Bronny's agent, pushed back on Wednesday against any notion that James has received different treatment than other players throughout the pre-draft process. Paul stated, "This is nothing new. The goal is to find a team that values your guy and try to push him to get there."
Paul pointed to his track record of steering clients to preferable destinations, citing examples like Talen Horton-Tucker (No. 46 pick in 2019), Brandon Boston Jr. (No. 51 pick in 2021), and Chris Livingston (No. 58 pick in 2023) as players who landed guaranteed deals despite conducting few workouts and being picked late in the draft.
Paul also referenced his strategies with first-round selections MarJon Beachamp (No. 24 pick in 2022) and Darius Garland (No. 5 pick in 2019), where he shielded his clients from workouts and withheld medical information from teams—a practice now prohibited by the NBA's collective bargaining agreement.
Context and Developmental Needs
Other NBA teams have expressed interest in seeing James in a different context and workout setting than the one they scouted at USC. Paul emphasized the importance of understanding the context, stating, "It's important to understand the context and realize that this has always been the strategy with many of my clients throughout the years, especially those in need of development like Bronny."
"My stuff is by design," Paul continued. "Bronny is the same as my previous clients. I got the word out early to teams that 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. It's hard to get real development on a two-way deal."
LeBron's Influence and Future Plans
LeBron James has previously expressed interest in teaming up with his son, but after his final game this season, the Lakers star mentioned that he hasn't "given much thought lately" to playing alongside Bronny. LeBron just completed his 21st season and could become a free agent if he opts out of his contract with the Lakers.
At the NBA draft combine in May, Bronny stated that his mindset wasn't on playing with his dad but more focused on "getting to the league." Reflecting this sentiment, Paul revealed, "LeBron is off this idea of having to play with Bronny. If he does, he does. But if he doesn't, he doesn't."
Potential Destinations for Bronny
Paul indicated that Bronny is likely done with workouts barring something unexpected. He also dispelled rumors linking LeBron's potential re-signing with the Lakers to Bronny being drafted by the team. "There's no deal made that it's guaranteed that if the Lakers draft Bronny at 55, he (LeBron) will re-sign," Paul clarified.
"If that was the case, I would force them to take him at 17. We don't need leverage. The Lakers can draft Bronny, and LeBron doesn't re-sign. LeBron is also not going to Phoenix for a minimum deal. We can squash that now."
Paul also mentioned that other teams have shown significant interest in Bronny, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, and Toronto Raptors. "Minnesota would love to get Bronny in, but I don't know who their owner is going to be. [Mavs GM] Nico Harrison is like an uncle to Bronny. If the Lakers don't take him at 55, Dallas would take him at 58 and give him a guaranteed deal."
"Masai [Ujiri, Raptors president] loves him. They could take him without even seeing him at 31," Paul added, highlighting that workouts aren't everything for these teams.
In conclusion, Bronny James' pre-draft journey has been meticulously planned by his agent, Rich Paul. While the prospect has only worked out for the Lakers and the Suns, numerous other teams have expressed interest, and the final destination for Bronny remains an intriguing plotline leading up to the 2024 NBA Draft.
Jonathan Givony, an NBA Draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, commented on the situation, noting that this type of strategic planning is not without precedent but adds an extra layer of complexity and interest to Bronny James' draft experience.
As the draft approaches, the basketball world will be watching closely to see where Bronny lands and what impact this unique pre-draft process will have on his NBA career.