Bronny James, the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is set to sign a multi-year guaranteed contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, ensuring he will be playing alongside his father, LeBron James, once the 2024-25 season kicks off. This news comes from Shams Charania of The Athletic, who broke the story about James’ contract.
It is rare for second-round picks to secure guaranteed contracts in the NBA. Typically, players in this position have to prove themselves in NBA Summer League and training camps to earn a two-way contract. However, James’ agent, Rich Paul, made it clear that Bronny would not be signing a two-way deal, stating his intentions during an interview with Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.
This move isn’t unprecedented, as other second-round picks have received guaranteed contracts in the past. For example, Jalen Pickett and Chris Livingston signed multi-million dollar deals last year. Paul, who represents both Livingston and James, has significant influence in NBA circles.
Bronny James had a standout performance in a college game against Oregon State, showcasing his potential as a player. Despite an average freshman season at USC, where he posted modest stats, James will have the chance to develop with the Lakers and potentially earn playing time early on. Moreover, playing alongside his father will make history as the first father-son duo in NBA history.