Since entering the Summer League, Bronny James has been subject to much more criticism. A report about an anonymous teammate citing ‘special treatment’ emerged recently. That trend also leaked into an ESPN report. League executives and scouts around the NBA believe Rich Paul’s ‘management’ might’ve set the youngster up to fail. Primarily, it grows from the 20-year-old’s lackluster pro career so far. But the James household’s agent doesn’t really appreciate the secrecy that comes with these opinions.

“The expectations for Bronny by the fan base and by LeBron and Rich Paul are not commensurate with the reality of his game. If they had any real idea of how far away Bronny is, they just would not have done this,” one Eastern Conference executive told ESPN.

Rich Paul spoke about it during an appearance on the Swish Cultures podcast. To be precise, he doesn’t mind criticism being directed toward his client. However, to him, the origin and method of putting it across matters. “If you’re saying something, if you’re making a statement about something and you are doing that for an anonymous perspective, then that don’t read. That don’t go.”

“And I have been a part of a pool of anonymous evaluations and you see an anonymous player come out and say something on Bronny and you see an anonymous GM say something about somebody. It’s just like man, if you can’t put your name on it, don’t say it because that don’t read. At least not for me.” A bad shooting night “deserves some critique,” Rich Paul admitted. But with scouts and executives choosing to remain anonymous, he doesn’t consider their words to be valid.

In terms of his management of the USC product, Rich Paul didn’t do anything that he hasn’t done for his other esteemed clients. His only ask was a guaranteed contract. The Suns and Lakers both agreed to the conditions and got a workout from Bronny James. As far as his present qualities that come under slander, the Klutch Sports CEO is aware of the pressure the 20-year-old places on himself.

“Bronny is serious. This isn’t a f—–g game for him. He wants to play in the NBA, and he wants to play well within his role,” he told ESPN. The real question is, though, what kind of impact does such harsh criticism have on Bronny James?

Bronny James is ‘immune’ to criticism while being laser-focused on his goal

Since the time he chose to pick up the basketball, the dashing guard has been under a microscope. Being the son of LeBron James was never going to be easy. The expectations of being the second coming of ‘The King’ were bestowed upon him, when not once did he wish for any of it. A positive byproduct did emerge from the early weight, though. However, Jr. is now used to the noise around him.

He doesn’t ignore the naysayers. But instead of letting it weigh him down, the 20-year-old uses it as much-needed “fuel” to keep getting better. The belief in his preparation remains supreme. It’s a quality that even his father, LeBron, struggled to manifest as a teen, coming into the NBA.

He recalls wanting to be received well by the fans, and it always ran through his mind. But in the case of Bronny, he just doesn’t bat an eye. “I don’t know if people really understand Bronny. He doesn’t care. I actually care a little bit,” LeBron once admitted.

A lot of has to do with Bronny James’ self-awareness. He doesn’t strive to follow in the footsteps of Dad. Rather, he wishes to become the best version of the player he can be. Through his assessment, he gives great value to being a defensive backbone who can facilitate and knock down shots.

With his 6’7″ wingspan, atomic athleticism, and sharpshooting, he admires the likes of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White of the Boston Celtics. Is that too far from his reach? Scouts believe there is “realism” with his evaluation.

In his early days, JJ Redick too has noticed him honing that style of play and is looking forward to seeing the kind of player Bronny becomes with his charismatic work ethic and discipline.

Anyone who says otherwise, well, it doesn’t matter to him.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.