Bronny James and Rich Paul Face Backlash Over Bold Draft Day Demands

The star of the show on Thursday afternoon was Bronny James, the son of LeBron James who is expected to be selected by someone in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.

While the Los Angeles Lakers have long been thought to be the landing spot, giving Bronny a chance to play with his dad, it appears that the James camp and his agent, Rich Paul, have been taking extra measures to make sure that happens.

According to ESPN's Bob Myers, the former GM of the Golden State Warriors, Paul has been calling other teams in the league warning them against drafting Bronny. If they do end up taking him, he will reportedly refuse to play for them and go play in Australia instead.

Some think this move is rather controversial, and fans aren't receiving it well online.

Feb 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) celebrates with his son Bronny James after breaking the all-time scoring record in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Whether this report is true or not is one thing. Whether or not it will work is another thing entirely. The Lakers hold the No. 55 pick in the draft, which is inching closer, so we will find out in a matter of hours.