Agent: Bronny James Can't Be Above Criticism, Shouldn't Get 'Preferential Treatment'

Ahead of Wednesday's NBA draft, all eyes are on Bronny James to see where he will land, and his agent believes the youngster needs to embrace the pressure he will feel at the professional level.

Rich Paul, who represents Bronny and his legendary father LeBron James, said during an appearance on Gil's Arena that he wants the 19-year-old to be ready for the attention he will receive in the NBA, regardless of whether it's positive or negative.

"Bronny can't be above the criticism and the opinions of others because this is the world that he's in, so he shouldn't get any preferential treatment," Paul said at the 7:25 mark. "He gotta go through the journey, he gotta go through the barbershop talk, because this is the life he chose. He chose to aspire to be a professional athlete. So that smoke, you have to embrace that, it's just part of it. And I don't want anything different from that perspective."

Bronny James spent one year at USC and averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 appearances with six starts. His freshman year was delayed by a cardiac arrest suffered during a summer workout that led to the discovery of a congenital heart defect, but he was ruled medically eligible to pursue an NBA career.

B/R's Jonathan Wasserman predicted in his latest mock draft that the Los Angeles Lakers will select the former Trojan with the 55th pick in the second round, which would pair him with his father. LeBron has previously said he would love the opportunity to play alongside his son.

It remains to be seen where Bronny will land, but he has a strong circle around him with his dad and Paul to prepare him for life in the NBA.