Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George has recently voiced his support for draft prospect Bronny James, highlighting his versatile skills and potential to excel in the NBA.
Speaking on his podcast, George offered a detailed scouting report on the 19-year-old, who is the eldest son of NBA legend LeBron James.
Bronny James spotted with the Lakers uniform
Paul George on Bronny James: He can do it all
James, who recently completed his freshman season at USC, averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 25 games, shooting 36.6% from the field.
Despite these modest numbers, he demonstrated flashes of brilliance, including a season-high 15 points and three assists in a game on December 30.
As the NBA Draft approaches, James is considered a second-round pick, having impressed scouts and teams during the combine and workouts with the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns.
George expressed his admiration for James’ basketball intelligence and well-rounded game.
“What’s most impressive is just his basketball savviness. He can do it all,” George remarked.
“I feel like he hasn’t shown that he can really be elite at a lot of things, but I think he can be elite at a lot of things. I compare him to the Jrue Holidays, the Derrick Whites-guys that are glue guys that can go do everything on the floor and help you win. That’s kind of how I see him.”
Bronny has also identified Jrue Holiday and Derrick White as role models for his playing style, appreciating their ability to impact games through grit, toughness, and defensive intensity.
LeBron James has praised his son’s choice of players to emulate, emphasizing the importance of their winning mindset and how it aligns with Bronny’s own approach to basketball.
Bronny is being scouted by a few teams
Currently, Bronny is projected to be drafted by the Lakers with the 55th pick, although there is interest from other teams as well.
His agent, Rich Paul, has been strategic in scheduling pre-draft workouts, focusing solely on the Lakers and Suns to ensure the best fit for Bronny.
“This is nothing new. The goal is to find a team that values your guy and try to push him to get there,” Paul explained to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.
“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.”
Bronny’s decision to enter the NBA Draft after just one season at USC surprised many, but his performance at the NBA Combine quickly garnered attention from several teams.
The selective nature of his workouts, however, suggests a careful approach to his early NBA career.
There is speculation that many teams might offer Bronny a two-way contract, splitting time between the NBA and the G League, but Paul has indicated that such an arrangement would not be acceptable for his client.
