Bronny James staying in 2024 NBA Draft as Rich Paul addresses rumors of joining his dad LeBron at Lakers

Bronny James has decided to remain in the 2024 NBA Draft, foregoing his remaining college eligibility. This decision, confirmed by Klutch Sports agent Rich Paul, has set the stage for a highly anticipated entry into the professional basketball world. Speculation continues to swirl around a potential move to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he could potentially team up with his father, LeBron James.

Reports from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Jonathan Givony indicate that Bronny James will stay in the NBA Draft. Rich Paul confirmed the decision ahead of Wednesday’s NCAA deadline to withdraw from the draft. This announcement comes after extensive consideration and evaluation of Bronny’s prospects and future development. 

The idea of a father-son pairing on the Lakers has been a topic of much discussion. LeBron James, now 39, has expressed his desire to play alongside his son before retiring. However, Rich Paul emphasized that while the possibility exists, it is not the primary focus.

“The Lakers need to look at Bronny like everyone else,” Paul told ESPN. “If they value him enough and he’s there, that’s great. If it’s not the Lakers, that’s great. I won’t be mad if it’s not.”

Paul added, “It’s obvious that people hear the conversation around the dad and son playing together, but that’s not our focus. If it happens organically, great. I’m not building on that. I’m not putting unrealistic expectations on Bronny. He’s far from a finished product. But he has a hell of a start. He’s positioned well. … I don’t see him not getting drafted, but if it got to a point where the situations didn’t make sense and we needed to go undrafted, that’s fine.”

Bronny, 19, has seen his stock rise due to a strong pre-draft process. He has impressed during the NBA Draft Combine, notably making 12 three-pointers in a row, showcasing his shooting skills and potential. His performance has caught the attention of several NBA teams, enhancing his draft prospects.

Paul spoke about Bronny’s future, emphasizing that the young guard’s development is a top priority. He stated that Bronny would not be signing a two-way contract, as the focus is on his growth and the team’s strategy for his development.

“Bronny’s [draft] range is wide. He’s a really good prospect who has a lot of room for growth,” Paul told ESPN. “It only takes one team. I don’t care where that team is – it can be No. 1 or 58 – [but] I do care about the plan, the development. The team’s strategy, the opportunity and the financial commitment. That’s why I’m not doing a two-way deal. Every team understands that.”

Earlier reports indicated that Bronny James had secured at least 10 invites for pre-draft workouts. While he is likely to visit only a few teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns are among those he will consider. These visits are crucial as they will provide Bronny with an opportunity to showcase his skills and fit within potential team strategies.

Bronny James’ decision to remain in the 2024 NBA Draft marks the beginning of an exciting journey into professional basketball. While the possibility of joining his father on the Los Angeles Lakers remains a tantalizing prospect, the focus is firmly on his development and finding the right team to nurture his talents. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Bronny and the steps he takes towards carving out his own legacy in the NBA.

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