NBA Rumors: Bronny James, Lakers Agree to 4-Year, $7.9M Rookie Contract with Option
July 3, 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers and Bronny James have agreed to a four-year, $7.9 million rookie contract that includes a team option in the last year, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
The deal is set to keep the son of Lakers star LeBron James with the franchise through the 2027-28 season.
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42The Bronny James contract is the standard second round pick exception. <br><br>$1,157,143<br><br>$1,955,377<br><br>$2,296,271<br><br>$2,486,995 (team)<br><br>It's the same length in years that three picks in the 50's signed for last year. <br><br>The second round pick exception does not apply against the cap until… <a href="https://t.co/i7NornnUth">https://t.co/i7NornnUth</a>
The younger James had his introductory press conference with the Lakers on Tuesday.
"For sure, amplified amount of pressure," James said of the attention on him. "I've already seen it on social media and stuff, and the internet and stuff and talking about that I might not deserve an opportunity. But I've been dealing with stuff like this my whole life. So it's nothing different, but it's more amplified, for sure. But I'll get through it."
With the younger James signed, the father-son duo are set to be on the same roster. LeBron agreed to a two-year, $104 million deal with the Lakers on Wednesday, per Charania.
The Lakers drafted James with the No. 55 pick of the 2024 NBA draft after the 19-year-old impressed scouts during shooting drills at the 2024 NBA Scouting Combine.
The franchise knew when making the pick that James would be seeking a guaranteed deal. His agent, Rich Paul, previously told TNT Sports and B/R's Chris Haynes that James would "absolutely" not sign a two-way contract.
James made his college debut at USC in December after suffering cardiac arrest and undergoing emergency heart surgery in July.
He went on to average 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game through 25 appearances and nine stars for the Trojans.
James is set to make his Lakers debut in the summer league, according to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. The first summer tournament tips off July 6 with the California Classic Summer League in Sacramento.