The decision has been made! Bronny, LeBron James‘ son, has chosen to give up on his college eligibility, confirming he will take his chances with the upcoming NBA draft. LBJ’s agent Rich Paul, who stated Bronny’s a “really good prospect who has a lot of room for growth,” announced the decision. With the Laker having stated earlier that he would like to play with his son before retirement, rumors have swirled that the Purple and Gold themselves will choose to welcome Bronny into their fold. However, Rich Paul’s recent statements cast a new level of doubts.

Renowned American sportscaster Dan Patrick pointed out on Fox Sports Radio a pattern of updates around Bronny’s life, and it felt like Rich Paul & LeBron James were hellbent on placing the 19-year-old in a team of their choice. He said, “They’re letting teams know as if they have the power here, they’re in control.” While Patrick speculates the obvious choice is going to be the Lakers, he claims that LeBron would want his son there too. He then spoke about Paul’s interview that gave the league clarity on Papa James’ contract situation.

Very nonchalantly, he stated in a recent interview that LeBron James is a free agent. This took many by surprise. With this in mind, Patrick said, “Rich Paul slipped, maybe it was on purpose that LeBron is a free agent now and that I think uh brought a little attention there to a situation”.

However, Patrick believes that this is a “mere formality” and claims that LeBron is going to opt back in and accept his new contract. Till now, LeBron James has not given any indication that he wishes to depart from the Lakers. At the same time, however, he has not confirmed that he will continue to stay with the franchise. Exactly two months ago, after the Lakers’ elimination, when he was asked if he had just played his final game with the team, the player replied with a smile, “I’m not going to answer that”.

Even after his slipup during the interview with Chris Haynes and others, Rich Paul continued to maintain “I don’t know what he’s gonna do. We gonna do what we do every year. We gonna evaluate the situation and we gonna make the best decision”.

Even if LeBron becomes a free agent, it is not a guarantee that he would not choose to return to the Lakers. However, anything can happen during the NBA draft, and Bronny could be picked up by any other franchise. Therefore, NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer may just be looking out to keep his options open.

A former Timberwolves player believes that the ‘LeBron James-Free Agent’ slip-up was just a way to get leverage

Once Rich Paul’s statement went viral, it didn’t take long for several analysts to share their thoughts. Rashad McCants expressed a strong viewpoint as well. During a recent appearance on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast, the 39-year-old highlighted that Rich Paul calling out LBJ as a ‘free agent’ is tricky.

At the same time, however, he also stated, “That’s a leverage play, just like the podcast was a leverage play”. This was a reference to the Lakers star and former Orlando Magic player JJ Redick’s podcast ‘Mind the Game’ which was released right in the middle of the 2023-24 season. Ever since head coach Darvin Ham was fired a couple of weeks ago, JJ’s close association with LeBron has made him a top contender on the list to take up the job.

Similarly, a possible ‘free agent’ decision will only compel the Lakers to double down on their decision to retain their star player. LeBron James has until June 29 to decide whether he will continue with the Lakers through his $51.9 player option.

Till then, all that the fans can do is wait.

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