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#3 Rich Paul was adamant Bronny James would not sign a two-way deal
Rich Paul wanted to make sure everyone understood Bronny James wasn’t any ordinary rookie. He insisted that James Jr. wasn’t going to sign a two-way contract if undrafted.
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It meant the Lakers could not pick another prospect at No. 55 and then go back for LeBron James’ son. If Rob Pelinka did not understand what the elder James and Paul wanted, he should clearly have understood the message by then.
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#2 Rich Paul reportedly telling teams not to draft Bronny James
Before the second round of the NBA draft started, former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers dropped a stunning report. The now ESPN analyst said on national TV that Rich Paul had been calling teams to stay away from Bronny James. Myers claimed that if somebody picks James Jr. other than the Lakers, the younger was taking his talents to Australia.
The controversial move made it point, set and match won for LeBron James and the Klutch Sports head. They practically shoved James Jr. into Rob Pelinka’s face.
#1 LeBron James is willing to take a pay cut to bring in veteran help
Two days after an emotional night hearing Bronny James’ name called in the NBA draft, LeBron James took care of personal business. He reportedly opted out of his contract before Rich Paul said that the four-time champ is willing to take a pay cut for a new deal.
According to Paul, James was willing to accept less than the three-year $162 million contract he was eligible to get. Getting less than the max deal would activate the Lakers’ $12.9 million midlevel exception, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
McMenamin elaborated on how that could help the Lakers:
“The type of player that James would be willing to make a financial sacrifice for would be an established veteran playmaker such as James Harden or Klay Thompson, or an established big man to play alongside Anthony Davis such as Jonas Valančiūnas.”
The NBA insider added that if Rob Pelinka couldn't give LeBron James that kind of support, the superstar would push for a max deal.
The 2024 offseason has been a busy period for the LA Lakers. "King James" and Rich Paul have them running around on a string.
