"Moving like Kendrick in a rap beef - NBA fans call out Rich Paul for allegedly lowering Bronny James' draft stock

A few days ago, Bronny James’ agent Rich Paul said on the “Gil’s Arena” podcast that his client “shouldn’t get any preferential treatment.” The Klutch Sports founder emphasized that the former USC guard should embrace the challenges of playing in the NBA. He added that having a “thick skin” would be a good asset to have, particularly with the spotlight on him.

LeBron James’ eldest son may be ready for the obstacles in the NBA but it didn’t stop the super agent from working his magic. It didn’t hurt for James Jr. to land in a place his father likely wanted him to.

Ahead of the LA Lakers picking at No. 55, former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers said this on national TV:

“Right now, Rich Paul’s calling teams, ‘Don’t take Bronny James.’ He’s telling them, ‘Do not take him.’ If you take him, he's going to Australia. So, he has a plan and he has a place.”

Basketball fans reacted to Myers’ comments about Paul's draft day move:

“Rich Paul threw out the bait and they all took it. Nigga was moving like Kendrick in a rap beef”

Another fan blasted the Klutch Sports Group head:

“Says the Rich Paul a Black man profiting from the Black experience while living in a White community. Dare you put "stupid" and "Black" in the same sentence! You Spineless Sellout!”

Somebody hoped what was likely to happen:

“Maybe this draft exposes rich paul”

@PlayoffShai2 predicted where James Jr. will eventually end up playing:

“Hes gonna be playing in australia regardless tf LMAOO”

The “place” Myers referred to was undoubtedly the LA Lakers as Rob Pelinka called in their pick later to get James Jr. Leading into the draft, Paul said that the four-time MVP and the former Trojan were not going to be a “package deal.” The Lakers could get the 6-foot-3 guard while the NBA veteran could play elsewhere as he has a $51.4 million player option next season.

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Bronny James should seriously consider Rich Paul’s advice to have a thick skin

Had Bronny James been drafted by another team, the spotlight on him would still be brutal, considering who his father is. It was right for Rich Paul to caution his client about the scrutiny and challenges of playing in the NBA. The situation they are in right now demands James Jr. to have quite a thick skin.

The former USC backup guard will be playing in the shadows of a franchise cornerstone who is arguably the greatest of all time. How James Jr. fits around the legendary “King James” will only heighten the circus around the LA Lakers.

Bronny James will also have to compete for minutes against the Lakers’ guard core. Last year the team used its No. 17 pick on Jalen Hood-Schifino out of Indiana. He ended up playing 21 games, averaging 5.2 minutes per game. LA still has Austin Reaves, De'Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent.

Rich Paul knows that at some point the Lakers will have the father and son on the court simultaneously. It will be historic and will also put more pressure and the spotlight on the youngster.

Paul and “King James” wanted James Jr. in Hollywood, and now they have to help him deal with expectations, criticisms and scrutiny.