Rich Paul’s Impact on Bronny James: LeBron’s Eldest Could Face the Same Fate as Ben Simmons

Few college athletes in the world garner more attention than Bronny James. Of course, his association with LeBron James has helped, but Bronny still had to perform at a high level during his varsity basketball career. Following a successful spell with Sierra Canyon High School, Bronny decided to represent the University of Southern California. However, Bronny has found it challenging to translate his success in high school basketball to his collegiate career with the USC Trojans.

His subpar performances for the Trojans have even jeopardized his prospects for the 2024 NBA Draft. Before the start of the season, several mock drafts predicted Bronny to be a lottery pick in the 2024 Draft. However, as per ESPN’s latest projection, Bronny could go undrafted in the 2024 Draft. Moreover, ESPN has projected him as a second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, it seems that Bronny James will get one of NBA’s most powerful and respected agents, Rich Paul to . Could LeBron James and Rich Paul wield their significant influence and get Bronny a roster spot in the NBA?

Should Bronny opt to enter the 2024 Draft, his selection would be almost guaranteed, given LeBron’s repeated declarations that he would join any team that drafts Bronny. Reports even suggested that teams like the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers have contemplated selecting Bronny to bag King James in their team as well. Furthermore, Bronny is represented by Klutch Sports and Rich Paul. Paul has increasingly gained a reputation for being a shrewd negotiator. After all, he negotiated Ben Simmons’ five-year Brooklyn Nets contract worth approximately $177 million.

With LeBron and Rich Paul providing financial and aspirational support for Bronny’s NBA aspirations, his entry into the league appears assured. However, could Bronny’s early entry into the NBA prove to be counterintuitive?

The consequences Bronny James can face for starting early in the NBA

It’s safe to suggest that the hype and attention around Bronny is unprecedented. Should Bronny enter the NBA prematurely, the James family risks facing harsh scrutiny from online trolls. Moreover, with the NBA being a more physical league, there’s a heightened risk of sustaining a career-threatening injury. Ben Simmons is a prime example of that happening.

Read More: Bronny James Has Done Nothing Wrong; Anonymous NBA Insider Expresses His Grief Over USC Star’s Future

Simmons entered the league as one of the most promising prospects in some time. Many called him the second coming of Magic Johnson. However, recurring back and knee injuries have reduced him to a bit-part player for the Brooklyn Nets. The influence of Rich Paul has still kept him afloat, but is this a fate Bronny James should potentially resign himself to? Bronny and LeBron need to weigh all the risks and rewards before they make a decision, which could alter the course of his life. What are your thoughts? Should Bronny enlist for the 2024 NBA Draft? Let us know in the comments below.