The Phoenix Suns are the only organization that coaches former USC guard Bronny James outside of his father’s team, the Los Angeles Lakers.
There’s no denying that part of the Suns’ interest in him comes from the possibility of luring superstar LeBron James to their team. However, a recent comment from father-son agent Rich Paul could lead Phoenix in a different direction.
“LeBron doesn’t agree with the idea of having to play with Bronny.” Paul told ESPN. “If he does it, he does it. But if he doesn’t do it, he doesn’t. No deal has been made that guarantees that if the Lakers draft Bronny at age 55, he [LeBron] will sign again. If that were the case, I would force them to take him at 17. We don’t need influence. The Lakers can draft Bronny and LeBron doesn’t re-sign. LeBron also won’t go to Phoenix for a minimum deal. We can crush that now.”
The Suns have the 22nd pick in the draft, which is much higher than what the Trojan point guard is expected to reach. Moving to the second round is within the realm of possibility, but seems unlikely if there is no connection to the Lakers star. Other teams have expressed interest in coaching him despite a mediocre freshman season at USC, according to ESPN.