Introduction
As the NBA Draft approaches on June 27-28 (Taiwan time), all eyes are not just on the top picks but on Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA superstar LeBron James. Recently, Bronny has only worked out with two teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns. Rich Paul, his agent, has shed light on the reasoning behind this selective process.
Draft Picks and Team Interests
In the upcoming draft, the Lakers hold the 17th and 55th overall picks, while the Suns possess the 22nd pick. Explaining why Bronny has only worked out with these two teams, Paul stated, “The goal is to identify a team that values you and to ensure these teams are eager to draft you. Over the years, my clients have followed this strategy, particularly for players like Bronny who need development.”
LeBron James’ Perspective
Paul emphasized that LeBron James does not insist on playing with Bronny on the same team. “It would be great if they could play together, but it’s not a necessity. There’s no condition where LeBron would only re-sign with the Lakers if they pick Bronny with the 55th pick. If that were the case, why not push the Lakers to select him with the 17th pick?”
Potential Outcomes
Paul noted that even if the Lakers draft Bronny, LeBron might still decide not to re-sign. Similarly, if the Suns select Bronny with the 22nd pick, LeBron wouldn’t join them on a lower salary. Beyond the Lakers and Suns, Paul revealed that teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, and Toronto Raptors also have shown significant interest in Bronny. Therefore, his workouts with the Lakers and Suns should not be seen as definitive.
Conclusion
Bronny James’ selective workout strategy, guided by his agent Rich Paul, aims to find the best fit for his development in the NBA. While the Lakers and Suns are currently in the spotlight, interest from other teams suggests a broader range of possibilities for his future. As the draft day approaches, the basketball world awaits to see which team will secure the promising young talent of Bronny James.(JiliAsia)
