Image Source: LAPRESSE
[Saba Sports News] The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James in the second round on Thursday, and a report suggests agent Rich Paul played a significant role in this outcome.
During ESPN’s NBA Draft coverage, former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers revealed that Paul was contacting teams throughout the second round, warning them not to pick Bronny. Paul reportedly threatened to send Bronny to play in Australia if selected by another team. “Rich Paul is calling teams, telling them, ‘Do not take Bronny James. If you take him, he’s going to Australia,’” Myers said. “So he has a plan, and he has a place.”
It’s likely Paul made no such threat to the Lakers, who ultimately picked Bronny. It appears Paul’s strategy was to deter other teams from selecting Bronny so he would be available for the Lakers at No. 55.
Paul was selective about which teams Bronny worked out for during the pre-draft process and was firm on Bronny’s contract demands.
While Paul may have been genuine, it is possible he aimed to maneuver Bronny to the Lakers throughout the process. If so, he succeeded.