“Bronny Will Be A Laker”: Celtics Legend Claims Teams Won’t Mess With Godfather Rich Paul After Draft Update Drops

LeBron James’ son, Bronny James, might be the most awaited player for the 2024 NBA Draft. Fans have been excited at the prospect of seeing the father-son duo play alongside each other but the possibilities are endless for the young star. Bronny’s godfather and agent, Rich Paul, lets everyone know in a recent update on the player’s draft prospects that the player’s NBA future is being handled with caution. But Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce is confident that Bronny will be donning the purple and gold jersey.

In an interview with ESPN, Rich Paul emphasized Bronny’s potential and the significance of providing the proper development environment for him. He said, “Bronny’s [draft] range is wide. He’s a really good prospect who has a lot of room for growth. 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.” Rich elaborated on how the focus is on the team’s strategy, opportunity, and financial commitment. “That’s why I’m not doing a two-way deal. Every team understands that,” he said. Besides the Lakers, Bronny has been strongly linked to the Boston Celtics.

Although Rich Paul’s statement is ambiguous, Pierce feels that the Lakers acquiring Bronny is inevitable. While responding to Rich’s statement, he said, “They’re not gonna play with the godfather Rich Paul. This is already mapped out. It’s inevitable, he’s going to be a Laker. Bronny James is gonna play with his dad.” Pierce is convinced that the duo will unite on court. He even went as far as to discredit Rich’s statements. He continued, “It don’t matter what the report said. This is going to be the end-all be-all storybook ending for LeBron James in a Laker uniform to play with his son.”

And this is LeBron’s dream too. The player has expressed clear wishes to play alongside his son in the past. He said, “I need to be on the floor with my boy.”  James hits free agency this summer and the Lakers will reportedly do anything to make him stay. It is possible that to extend with their star player, the Lakers front office may try to make King James’ dream come true. In which case, Pierce’s predictions might come true.

Bronny James’ draft journey

All eyes are on King James’ son this draft season. As the son of the league’s most-loved player, Bronny has some big shoes to fill in. His journey has been followed closely by fans and analysts and he was even accused of being a product of nepotism. Many felt that Bronny would not be in this place if he did not have that surname.

Agent Rich Paul once again cleared the air on these allegations. Paul recently responded to the treatment Bronny has been subjected to just because of his father’s superstar status. He said, “If his name was different, would he get a different treatment? Yes, probably so. Some may feel like he’s getting an opportunity because of his father and I think that’s a very naïve logic, especially in America.” Rich is confident in his godson’s potential and thinks the player will be a ‘great teammate.’

According to ESPN’s post-combine mock draft, the Boston Celtics might land Bronny with their #54 overall pick. If the Celtics were to acquire him, there is a chance that LeBron may explore his options in Boston after he hits free agency this summer. At the same time, it is hard to say whether King James would desert Los Angeles to be able to play with his son or not. But so far, a father-son union in the Lakers does not seem very far-fetched.

The prospect of seeing King James with his son is tantalizing for fans. For now, the Lakers community waits in anticipation, wondering if Paul Pierce’s predictions manifest into reality. And if they do, the league might witness one of the most legendary stories in NBA history.