Exclusive: Unprecedented Bronny James Draft Situation Justified by Shaq’s Ex-Agent After Rich Paul’s Verdict

The upcoming NBA draft may be considered one of the worst in recent years. Yet, one prospect stands out from the others purely due to the mystery surrounding his selection in the two-day event. Bronny James, the son of NBA great LeBron James, is easily the most talked about basketball teenager from the draft. Having elite agility, shooting, and defensive prowess, the 6’1″ guard had a stellar pre-draft process. But does he get drafted? If he does, is it for the 19-year-old’s skill and innate basketball acumen or the chance of bagging his father along with him?

That’s been the question on everyone’s mind. Due to the predicament, no mock drafts make sense anymore. The Lakers have a 17th pick where they could select the USC product to assure LeBron James extends his stay in LA. Other teams have earlier picks and could strategically place themselves for the King’s arrival. Or none of it happens and Bronny James drops to the second round as most scouts projected after his head-turning combine performance.

To discuss the various possibilities, our NBA correspondent Vishal Kolar once again consulted Leonard Armato, an industry veteran who has worked with players as phenomenal as Shaq about NBA teams’ mentality when juggling with the option of drafting Bronny.

Vishal: “Another top story sweeping the mainstream media is Rich Paul’s comments talking about Bronny’s NBA draft declaration right and Rich you know clearly coming out and is giving his thoughts on Bronny even potentially being drafted in the first round. From an objective standpoint, it’s like no. Bronny probably needs a little more time in college. I would say to achieve that level of scouting and draft position, right? Did you have any thoughts on what Rich said or even kind of the prospect of a team drafting Bronny to get LeBron? Like is that a serious motivation or is that just stuff the media is kind of running with?”

Armato: “Well, I mean Rich Paul’s job is to represent his client and protect their interest as much as he can so that’s what his comments are designed to do. So there is nothing wrong with that. That’s something that you know you have to respect. In terms of LeBron James’ son, Bronny, and his future you know he is going to have to perform on the court. I mean, that will determine his future and how far he goes. If his father wants to play with him and achieve things that will help them secure LeBron if they really want him, then that will be part of what they take into consideration when they draft a player.

But I don’t think they are going to draft him if he really, really can’t play just because they hope to get his dad. But it seems like he is a pretty good player and it’s really difficult to know right at the moment how far he will go because he hasn’t had a chance post his heart situation to really to have a good run that you can see from a consistency standpoint. Parallelly, he did really well in the combine in the pre-draft workout. That was the report that everybody was giving that he did really, really well. So that’s great. We’ll just see how it unfolds. It will be interesting. There has never been a situation quite like this”

Rich Paul, who is an agent of LeBron James and multiple other NBA superstars, is unsurprisingly also on the lookout for the most ideal situation for Bronny. He recently even announced the 19-year-old forgoing his college eligibility, diverting his undivided attention to the NBA.

The Klutch Sports man, however, has never spoken about Bronny being contingent on gaining the services of LeBron James. That’s not the veteran agent’s goal for Bronny James. He is prioritizing the right system and culture that will help bolster his client’s growth. “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” he told ESPN.

Even though transparency has been established in the matter, some NBA teams, especially those struggling, could find drafting Bronny to be an enticing offer. Until LeBron James hasn’t committed to the Lakers, there is no saying what the instant future holds. Remember, his reign is only going to last for a few more years. In that while, the 20-time All-Star could give importance to his role as a father rather than chase the NBA glory.

It’s still a blur. Whether Bronny James even gets into the NBA lies in the realm of uncertainty. Rich Paul has shut down any package deal with LeBron James. The father himself has respected his son’s ambitions. But is it possible to have such a powerful leverage and not use it?

It’s draft or nothing for Bronny James

Before the combine, no one was rating Bronny James. He had a subdued freshman season due to his health ailment and was since barred from any court activity once the season came to a close. The only chance he had to raise his draft stock was at the draft combine. Raking second in three-point shooting and measuring one of the highest verticals at the combine, the talks surrounding the teenager took a spin.

All of a sudden, teams could see potential. He was a relentless defender, showing true resolution and drive to get stops. His shot creation for others was another talking point apart from his impeccable shooting. That’s been his wavelength since, even impressing a packed Lakers gym for during his pro day.

According to the latest mock draft by Bleacher Report, Bronny James had made the board in the second round. Ironically, he was selected with the 55th pick held by none other than the Los Angeles Lakers via their city rivals. However, according to ESPN, it could be the Warriors who draft the highly covered teenager three picks before the Purple and Gold.

Previously, LeBron James named Stephen Curry as the one superstar he wished to team up with. If the Bay does welcome Bronny, there is potential to kill two birds with one stone and lure the Akron Hammer. Meanwhile, if he stays undrafted, Bronny James won’t be able to return to college basketball. He will either be signed as an undrafted player or have to spend time in the G-League or playing internationally.

Be sure to check this space out for more such updates on EssentiallySports‘ exclusive conversations with Leonard Armato.