Sources from NBA teams have expressed difficulty in securing workouts with Bronny James.
Bronny James has worked out individually for the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers.
This is by design according to his agent, Rich Paul.
Agent's Strategy and Defense
Rich Paul defends that Bronny has not received different treatment than other players. He aims to find a team that values Bronny and push him there.
Paul points out that Talen Horton-Tucker, Brandon Boston Jr., and Chris Livingston landed guaranteed deals with few workouts. He used similar strategies with MarJon Beauchamp and Darius Garland. He emphasizes that his strategies are intentional to ensure real deals for Bronny.
However, withholding medical information from teams is now prohibited by the NBA's collective bargaining agreement.
Context and Developmental Needs
NBA teams are interested in seeing Bronny in different contexts outside of his time at USC. Rich Paul underscores the importance of understanding the context and developmental needs for Bronny, which play a crucial role in his strategies.
"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," Paul asserts.
LeBron's Influence and Future Plans
LeBron James has previously expressed interest in teaming up with his son in the NBA. However, Rich Paul clarifies that LeBron hasn't thought much about playing alongside Bronny lately.
LeBron completed his 21st season and could become a free agent. Despite earlier statements, both Bronny and LeBron are focused on different priorities. Bronny is keen on making it to the league rather than playing with his dad, while LeBron is not fixated on the idea either.
Rich Paul states, "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
As Bronny wraps up his individual workouts, it appears he's done with them unless something unexpected happens. Speculations about LeBron re-signing with the Lakers if they draft Bronny are dispelled by Paul. Rumors linking LeBron's future with the Lakers solely because they draft Bronny are categorically denied.
"There's no deal made that it's guaranteed that if the Lakers draft Bronny at 55, he (LeBron) will re-sign," Paul asserts. "If that was the case, I would force them to take him at 17. We don't need leverage."
Furthermore, LeBron is not considering signing with Phoenix for a minimum deal. Rich Paul makes it clear, "We can squash that now."
Other teams interested in Bronny include the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, and Toronto Raptors. The Mavericks' Nico Harrison reportedly has a good relationship with Bronny, making them a potential landing spot.
The Raptors could also draft Bronny without even a workout, especially if they have a pick at 31. "Masai [Ujiri, Raptors president] loves him. They could take him without even seeing him at 31," states Paul.
Jonathan Givony notes that this strategic planning adds complexity to Bronny's draft experience, making it a closely watched event in the basketball world.
In conclusion, the goal remains straightforward: to find a team that genuinely values Bronny and aligns with his developmental needs. As Rich Paul puts it, "This is nothing new. The goal is to find a team that values your guy and try to push him to get there."
The basketball world now watches closely to see where Bronny lands, with many eager to witness how these carefully laid plans unfold in the upcoming NBA draft.