Rich Paul quickly rushes into black SUV after confronted about ‘threatening’ teams over Bronny James draft

The Los Angeles Lakers drafting Bronny James remains a controversial matter for multiple reasons. Many questioned his qualifications for the job as others were concerned about his dad, LeBron James‘ involvement in the matter. However, more so than James, the player’s agent, Rich Paul, has been in hot water for potentially demanding Bronny to be drafted by the Lakers.

A few days ago, the Warriors’ ex-GM revealed that Rich Paul threatened other teams not to draft Bronny James. As the agent himself did not admit to the claims, paparazzi caught up with Paul and asked him about Bronny’s draft. Paul was open to giving answers about nepotism claims but completely ignored the threatening question.

I know there's family members in the front offices and in the ownership room of every important teams. You could do as parents is work hard to tryna make a better opportunity for their kids. If that's nepotism dealing, then so be it.

Rich Paul via TMZ

After that answer, the reporter directly asked Paul if the reports were true and if he threatened the other teams to send Bronny to Australia if they drafted him. The agent completely ignored the question and got into his car. Paul even wished the reporter a ‘good day,’ showing his unwillingness to confirm or deny the accusations.

Paul’s refusal to answer the question only confirmed his actions. Teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks were interested in Bronny. However, the 19-year-old declined to work out with eight teams except for the Phoenix Suns and Lakers. Hence, it is safe to say that Bronny had only one team in his mind while entering the draft.

Rob Pelinka revealed drafting Bronny James is unrelated to LeBron James

Considering Bronny’s underwhelming stats at USC, many were frustrated by him getting drafted by a team such as the Lakers. Hence, Paul making the calls made the situation worse. However, many claimed that the guard would not get drafted despite his father’s reputation. Even the 19-year-old Bronny boldly claimed that teams would not draft him solely because of his superstar dad.

After drafting the player, the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager, Rob Pelinka, gave a similar answer. While talking to the press, Pelinka clarified that the Lakers drafted Bronny because of the skills they witnessed during the workout. Pelinka also mentioned James’ free agency while explaining the draft.

We really kept the draft process to Bronny being a Laker and what we felt like we needed to do to help him become great and the core qualities in him that we saw. So we didn't talk a lot about that just because, again, we want to respect his dad's decision as a free agent. So that wasn't really something that came up.

Rob Pelinka via Los Angeles Lakers YT Channel

It would be hard for NBA fans to believe Pelinka, considering the rumors surrounding Bronny’s agent. Regardless of that, Bronny would certainly be under a microscope for his rookie year. The player has a lot to prove, and the pressure will become multiplied, considering the team he plays for.

In Case You Missed It:

• “It drives me crazy!” Stephen A. Smith and other analysts SLAMMED for defending nepotism over Bronny playing with LeBron James
• NBA champion coach Joe Mazzulla takes family to watch UFC 303 PPV event in Las Vegas

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW