Agent Rich Paul explains Bronny James only working out for Lakers, Suns

The 2024 NBA Draft is right around the corner, and Bronny James‘ agent Rich Paul is making sure that his prospect is in the best position to succeed. In an interview with Jonathan Givony of ESPN, Paul explained why James is only working out for the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns.

“This is nothing new,” Paul said. “The goal is to find a team that values your guy and try to push him to get there. 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 went on to tell Givony that he took the same similar approaches with first-round picks MarJon Beauchamp (No. 24 pick in 2022) and Darius Garland (No. 5 pick in 2019). “Bronny is the same as my previous clients,” Paul said. “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.

“I don’t care about him going to the Lakers, or Phoenix, or about what number he gets picked. It’s about fit.”

Bronny is entering the NBA after playing one season at USC. He is the son of LeBron James who has said he would like to play with his son. But recently, LeBron, who currently plays for the Lakers, said he hasn’t “given much thought lately” to playing alongside Bronny.

Bronny James has a message for his critics

Some people think that Bronny doesn’t belong in the NBA, and that the only reason he’s getting any attention is because of his father. In May, Bronny sent a message to the doubters and critics who have attacked him.

“There’s nothing I can say to be honest,” Bronny James said. “You know, I obviously see everything that has been thrown my way, but I’ve just got to shrug it off, and all the work that I’ve put in over this I don’t know how many years — I just feel like I need to believe in myself and everything.”

Bronny James was ranked No. 25 nationally in On3’s Industry Rankings for 2023. In his one season at USC, Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in 25 games with six starts.

On3’s Dan Morrison contributed to this story.