After reports from multiple NBA teams that they have been unable to schedule workouts with prospect Bronny James for the 2024 NBA Draft, his agent Rich Paul confirmed that Bronny has only worked out individually with two teams: the Lakers and the Suns.
The CEO of Clutch Sports Group explained that these decisions are intentional and denied any special treatment for Bronny during the pre-draft process. While Phoenix holds the No. 22 pick, the Lakers have picks at No. 17 and No. 55, with hopes of selecting Bronny in the second round.
“This is a deliberate strategy,” Paul affirmed. “The objective is to locate a team that values your player and guide him to that destination. It is crucial to understand the strategy and recognize that this approach has been used with many of my clients over the years, especially those requiring development like Bronny. It is all part of the plan.”
Bronny James just went UNDRAFTED in the first round of the #NBADraft2024
“only draft me if you think im good enough.. and not because of my dad (LeBron)” 💀 pic.twitter.com/FDRNZzUAO8
— clip 🛸 (@clippedszn) June 27, 2024
The agent, who also represents LeBron, emphasized that he has always guided clients to optimal destinations, as he did with previous picks like Chris Livingston at No. 58 in 2023, Brandon Boston Jr. at No. 51 in 2021, and Talen Horton-Tucker at No. 46 five years ago.
Paul also mentioned implementing similar strategies with first-round picks such as Darius Garland at No. 5 in 2019 and MarJon Beauchamp at No. 24 in 2022. He stated that restricting players from certain workouts is a common practice, even though withholding medical information is now prohibited under the new CBA.
“Bronny is treated the same as my previous clients,” Paul maintained. “I informed teams early on that if they plan to invite Bronny for a workout, here are the conditions: If you’re not serious about signing him, there’s no conversation to be had. Meaningful development is challenging under a two-way deal.”
Paul firmly believes that it’s about the right fit for Bronny, not the specific team. “I’m not concerned whether he goes to the Lakers, Phoenix, or where he’s picked. It’s all about finding the right fit,” he reiterated. “If Bronny’s name was Charles Jacobsen and he was my client, I would approach it in the same manner: identifying teams with genuine interest.”
LeBron has intentionally kept himself out of his son Bronny’s draft process, stating that “the young man will make his own decision”
Despite expressing a desire to play alongside his eldest son before retiring, LeBron mentioned after the previous season that he hasn’t given much thought to competing with Bronny.
Approaching his historic 22nd season, LeBron wants to allow the 19-year-old to make his own career decisions. “The young man will decide how he wants his career to progress,” James mentioned.
Just like testing for the draft and participating in combines, Bronny focused on reaching the league without considering playing alongside his father. He emphasized that the priority was “getting to the league.”
“LeBron is no longer fixated on the idea of playing with Bronny,” Paul informed. “If it happens, great. If not, that’s fine too. There’s no guarantee that if the Lakers draft Bronny at 55, LeBron will extend his contract. We’re not pressuring anyone. LeBron won’t sign a minimum deal to play in Phoenix. That’s not happening.”
