Sources from NBA teams have expressed difficulty in securing workouts with Bronny James. Despite this, Bronny has already worked out individually for the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers. According to his agent, Rich Paul, the limited availability for workouts is by design.
Agent's Strategy and Defense
Rich Paul maintains that Bronny James is not receiving different treatment than other promising players. Paul's primary goal is to identify a team that values Bronny and to push for him to join that team. He cites examples such as Talen Horton-Tucker, Brandon Boston Jr., and Chris Livingston, all of whom secured guaranteed deals with limited workouts.
Paul has employed similar strategies successfully with MarJon Beauchamp and Darius Garland in the past. It’s important to note that withholding medical information from teams is now prohibited under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement.
Context and Developmental Needs
NBA teams are keen to see Bronny perform in various contexts beyond his tenure at USC. Rich Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding Bronny’s context and developmental needs. He insists that his strategic approach is calculated to ensure that Bronny lands a genuine deal.
LeBron's Influence and Future Plans
LeBron James has previously expressed interest in teaming up with his son; however, this idea seems to be losing steam. LeBron, who just completed his 21st season and might enter free agency, hasn't been focusing much on the prospect of playing alongside Bronny lately. According to Rich Paul, LeBron is not fixated on this notion anymore. Bronny, on the other hand, is more focused on making it to the league rather than the possibility of playing with his father.
Potential Destinations for Bronny
As Bronny’s workout schedule winds down, unless something unexpected occurs, it appears he is finished with workouts. Rumors that link LeBron re-signing with the Lakers to them drafting Bronny have been dispelled. LeBron will not commit to the Lakers solely based on them drafting his son. Additionally, LeBron is not headed to Phoenix for a minimum deal.
Other teams showing interest in Bronny include the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, and Toronto Raptors. Of note, Nico Harrison of the Mavericks has a solid rapport with Bronny. Meanwhile, Raptors president Masai Ujiri is particularly enamored with Bronny and could be willing to draft him without even conducting a workout if they hold the 31st pick.
Jonathan Givony, an expert analyst, notes that Rich Paul’s strategic planning adds a layer of complexity to Bronny’s draft experience. The basketball world watches closely, eager to see where Bronny lands.
"This is nothing new. The goal is to find a team that values your guy and try to push him to get there," Paul remarked. He further emphasized the significance of understanding context, stating, "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."
Addressing the speculation about LeBron's future intentions, Paul clarified, "LeBron is off this idea of having to play with Bronny. 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, he [LeBron] will re-sign. If that was the case, I would force them to take him at 17. We don't need leverage."
Paul’s definitive stance leaves room for speculation but clarifies that the decision where Bronny lands will not dictate LeBron's movements. "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." He also hinted at Toronto's interest saying, "Masai loves him. They could take him without even seeing him at 31."
In summary, the strategic maneuvering by Rich Paul aims to secure the best possible future for Bronny James, focusing on genuine interest and fit rather than leveraging familial ties. The upcoming draft will reveal if this approach bears fruit, as the basketball community waits in anticipation.