NBA draft 2024: Bronny James has worked out for just two teams, the L.A. Lakers and Phoenix Suns

Bronny James is projected as a second-round pick at best or he could go undrafted in next week’s 2024 NBA draft. However, James is the biggest name in the draft with speculation constantly swirling around him.

James, the oldest son of Los Angeles Lakers’ star LeBron James, declared for the draft after just one uninspiring season at USC. Despite the mediocre year with the Trojans and most mock drafts projecting him as a second-round pick, James’ agent Rich Paul is controlling the narrative regarding his client’s draft prospects.

According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, James has had individual predraft workouts with just two teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns. Paul said limiting James’ workouts is part of an overall strategy leading up to the draft.

“This is nothing new,” Paul told ESPN. “The goal is to find a team that values your guy and try to push him to get there. It’s important to understand the context and realize that this has always been the strategy with many of my clients throughout the years, especially those in need of development like Bronny. My stuff is by design.”

Other teams have requested an individual workout with James, but those requests have been rebuffed, according to Givony. Paul mentioned Dallas, Toronto and Minnesota as teams who have indicated interest in James, but Paul said James isn’t going to sign a two-way deal and has warned teams to move on if that’s their plan.

“I got the word out early to teams that if you plan on bringing Bronny in, here’s what you need to know: If you won’t give him a real deal, there’s nothing to talk about,” Paul told ESPN.

LeBron James has said in the past one of his goals is to play with his son in the NBA, but has since cooled on the possibility of playing alongside his son. He will be a free agent this summer and free to sign with any team, but he is expected to return to the Lakers. Bronny has said he is less about playing with his dad and more about simply playing in the NBA.

The Lakers possess the Nos. 17 and 55 picks in the draft and most mock drafts have them selecting James with their second-round pick at No. 55. The Suns have the No. 22 pick, which is likely too high to select James, but they could be interested in acquiring a second-round pick.

The NBA has added a second day to its draft for the first time. The first round is scheduled for June 26 and the second round is scheduled for June 27.