Paul: LeBron, Bronny not guaranteed to play together

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has accepted the prospect of not playing with his son, USC guard Bronny James, in the NBA.

"LeBron is off this idea of having to play with Bronny. … There's no deal made that it's guaranteed that if the Lakers draft Bronny at 55, (LeBron) will re-sign," James' agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN's Jonathan Givony. "If that was the case, I would force them to take him at 17. We don't need leverage. The Lakers can draft Bronny, and LeBron doesn't re-sign."

Bronny has only worked out for the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns ahead of the draft. Six teams have been unable to bring the former Trojan in for predraft workouts, according to Givony.

Paul pushed back on James receiving special treatment, saying that he's limited workouts with previous clients so they could land with preferred teams.

"I don't care about him going to the Lakers, or Phoenix, or about what number he gets picked. It's about fit."

Paul said that James is likely done with workouts ahead of the draft but mentioned that the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, and Toronto Raptors have interest in the prospect.

Meanwhile, LeBron could decline his $51.4-million player option for the 2024-25 season and enter free agency. Paul added that James won't sign with the Suns for a minimum contract.

The NBA icon had expressed interest in playing with his son but eased his stance at the end of the season, saying Bronny "will decide what he wants to do and how he wants his career to go."

L.A. holds the 17th and 55th pick in the NBA draft, while Phoenix will select at No. 22.