Rich Paul Defends LeBron James For Being A Supportive Father To Bronny

In a recent chat with the media, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul spoke on all matters of subjects including LeBron James, the upcoming draft, and even the smaller details of some of his own personal routine. On the topic of LeBron and Bronny, Paul did recognize their own role in raising the conversation and expectation around the potential pairing but he shot down the idea that LeBron should be condemned for talking up his own son.

"I watch all the shows. And you know what, there's some accountability to be had on our end as well. But I'm not going sit here and punish a dad for being excited about his son because for many years, the Black father was portrayed as absent and he was portrayed as non-supportive," said Paul, via Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes. "There may have been some expectations through social media excitement that may have raised awareness to where people want to see you fail more than they want to see you succeed. Bronny catches a lot of strays from his father's success. But that's all part of it."

Despite being a projected second-round pick, Bronny James is dominating the conversation around the draft and there's no doubt that it all traces back to the King himself. As Bronny was in college and going through the process of developing his game, LeBron was cheering him on like a proud dad, and it follows a longtime trend of James being an overall loving and supportive father. Paul, however, denies that Bronny's status as LeBron's son has led to any kind of special treatment within the NBA.

“Some may feel like he's getting an opportunity because of his father and I think that's a very naive logic, especially in America," said Paul. "When you look at America as a whole, it's built on the nepotism. No one's having this conversation about Jim Dolan. He owns the Knicks, but his dad built a business.”

Unfortunately for Bronny, he inherited more than fame and fortune from his family name. He also inherited all the pressure and expectation that his dad had to endure and now the spotlight is brighter than it ever has been for a young prospect who may go undrafted after a modest college season.

Rich Paul Says He Will Not Accept A Two-Way Contract For Bronny

With averages of 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, Bronny's college tenure wasn't the most flattering for his game. And while had did make some noise at the recent combine, fans and scouts are still left relatively unimpressed with his potential.

At best, James is projected to be an early second-round pick. At worst, he may not even get drafted at all. Rich Paul says that the only thing Bronny will not do is sign a two-way contract.

"Yes, that's absolutely true. Teams know that. I'm not doing that," said Paul.

It remains to be seen how the draft situation will play out this summer, but the jury is still out on what kind of impact he can make in the NBA. In Paul's eyes, and no doubt LeBron, Bronny has the potential to become an All-Star in the NBA, on par with other historically underrated players like Fred VanVleet, Naz Reid, and Eric Bledsoe.

Clearly, Paul and Klutch Sports Group have a plan for Bronny and they are confident that his skills will translate well to the NBA. With LeBron's support and guidance, there is almost no doubt that Bronny can succeed and you can bet he will keep going on about his son every chance he gets.

With a number of teams already taking a special interest in Bronny, it's only a matter of time before he gets a chance and then he will have the opportunity to prove everyone wrong and earn a long-term deal that will keep him in the league for years.