Bronny James, a former USC guard, has only participated in workouts with the Lakers and Phoenix Suns so far.

LeBron and Bronny James

LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, has dismissed speculation that the NBA star and his son Bronny James would be a “package deal” in the upcoming season. Despite the possibility of Bronny being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron’s future plans are not contingent on his son’s draft outcome.

According to Paul, LeBron James is not prioritizing playing with Bronny and will make his own decision regarding his next team. Paul emphasized that there is no guarantee that James will re-sign with the Lakers if they draft Bronny James, and similarly, King James won’t join the Phoenix Suns for a minimum deal.

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 No. 55, [LeBron] will re-sign. If that was the case, I would force them to take him at 17. We don't need leverage. 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.

Super agent Rich Paul said in a report by ESPN

Bronny James, a former USC guard, has only participated in workouts with the Lakers and Phoenix Suns so far. However, other teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, and Toronto Raptors have expressed interest in him.

Rich Paul clarified that Bronny’s goal is to find the best fit for his career, rather than pushing to join a specific team like the Lakers. The agent’s statements aim to dispel rumors and emphasize that both LeBron and Bronny will make independent decisions regarding their respective careers.

Bill Simmons predicts Bronny James to be selected in first round of NBA Draft, possibly to Phoenix Suns

Bill Simmons, a prominent NBA analyst, believes that Bronny James will be selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, contrary to popular opinion that he’ll go in the second round. Simmons thinks the Phoenix Suns are a likely destination for Bronny, citing a connection between the team’s owner Mat Ishbia and LeBron James’ camp.

I think Bronny is going to go in the first round because I think that’s going to be encouraged… There’s a lot of Phoenix buzz right now; I’m just going to say it. There is and I don’t know if it’s real or not.

Bill Simmons said on his podcast

Simmons suspects that the Suns may be trying to use the selection of Bronny as leverage to attract LeBron James, who is set to become a free agent. He notes that the Suns’ owner and LeBron’s camp share the same media strategist, Adam Mendelsohn, which adds to the speculation.

However, there’s a skepticism about the Suns’ intentions, pointing out that Bronny’s draft stock isn’t high enough to warrant a first-round pick, especially for a team like the Suns who are in win-now mode. It is also believed that LeBron’s decision will not be influenced by where his son is drafted, and that he will likely opt out of his contract and re-sign with the Lakers.

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