On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers signed rookie draft pick Bronny James to his first contract.
LeBron’s son signed a four-year deal with the Lakers, a long-term commitment for the 55th overall pick in any NBA Draft. The Lakers selecting Bronny came under circumstances that were anything but usual.
That being said, the price tag is at roughly $8 million, so financially, it’s not as “strong” as your standard first-round deal.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, who’s covered the Lakers for going on several years now, emerged to report on James’ deal. “Bronny James has agreed to a four-year, $7.9 million deal with the Lakers,” McMenamin said, adding the team has an option for his fourth year, another standard practice.
Bronny James has agreed to a four-year, $7.9 million deal with the Lakers, a league source told ESPN. Team option on the fourth year.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 3, 2024
The Lakers and LeBron were criticized for handling James’ selection. Those who’ve argued against it have noted the nepotism factor, something that the contingent for the move has argued with, not against.
Nonetheless, Bronny is a Laker and will be for at least three seasons. His father re-upped with the team after opting out, essentially securing his and his son’s future for the short term. It will be a fascinating moment when father and son play together, but it will have conversations around it.
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022