LeBron James' son is one of the most popular draft prospects of all time, yet some are skeptical if the 19-year-old Bronny is ready for the NBA.
The younger James has shown himself to be a capable 3-and-D player at the next level, as he impressed draft scouts during the NBA combine, by making 12 straight 3's and finishing 19-of-25 from the three-point line during drills.
Rich Paul, LeBron/Bronny's agent, has been outspoken about Bronny being sought after by NBA teams.
"I don't care about him going to the Lakers, or Phoenix, or about what number he gets picked. It's about fit."
"LeBron is off this idea of having to play with Bronny," Paul said in talking to ESPN. "If he does, he does. But if he doesn't, he doesn't. There's no deal made that it's guaranteed that if the Lakers draft Bronny at 55, [LeBron] will re-sign. 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."
Some are speculating that Paul is only downplaying the father/son duo being a package deal, so it detracts other organizations from drafting the one-and-done collegiate player, as some small market teams may do so in hopes of luring the 39-year-old superstar. That is to say, Paul is denying this idea that James could potentially decline his $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, and become a free agent to join his son wherever he goes.
During one season at USC, James Jr. averaged 4.8 points (36.6% FG; 26.7% 3PT), 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, with 0.8 steals in 19.4 minutes per game.
All in all, the founder of Klutch Sports Group is confident that Bronny will be picked in the draft, even if it means not teaming up with his dad.
"There are other teams that love Bronny. For example, Minnesota, Dallas, Toronto. If it's not the Lakers, it will be somewhere else."
Related: Bronny James Currently Has Most Bets To Go No. 1 At NBA Draft
