Rich Paul: ‘No one pressured Bronny James to leave USC and go to the NBA before Lakers pick | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

When Bronny James entered the NBA draft and was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers, there was a perception that his legendary father LeBron James influenced these decisions.

However, longtime agent and CEO of Klutch Sports Group Rich Paul told ESPN’s Baxter Holmes that Bronny’s decision to leave USC and begin his professional career was his.

“Nobody pressured Bronny to turn pro,” Paul said. “Bronny had the choice to stay at USC, he had the choice to transfer somewhere else or he had the choice to go pro.”

Paul told Holmes that he explained to Bronny in a meeting months before the draft that it was unlikely he would be picked in the first round and that there was even a possibility he would not be drafted. However, the 20-year-old had already made up his mind.

“I just want to hear my name called,” Bronny told Paul at the time, adding that he didn’t care which team selected him.

Bronny eventually ended up with the Lakers and his father, who had long expressed a desire to play alongside his son before his iconic career ended.

Bronny will be one of the most interesting rookies to watch this season as he learns the ropes from LeBron and the rest of the veterans in Los Angeles.