Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images
In a historic moment for the NBA, Bronny James signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, according to a league source who spoke with ESPN. This rookie deal aligns perfectly with LeBron James’ recent extension with the team, ensuring that the father-son duo will make history by playing together for the purple and gold next season.
Bronny James’ Contract Details
Bronny James’ contract is structured with incremental increases over the four years. It begins at $1,157,143 in the 2024-25 season, progresses to $1,955,377 in the 2025-26 season, then rises to $2,296,271 in 2026-27, and culminates at $2,486,955 with a team option in the 2027-28 season, according to sources from ESPN.
Lakers’ Official Announcement
The Lakers officially announced on Wednesday the signings of Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, the No. 17 pick in this year’s draft. The terms of the deals were not disclosed in the announcement.
Bronny James’ Performance at USC
During his time at USC, Bronny James averaged 4.8 points on 36.6% shooting, including 26.7% from beyond the arc. He also contributed 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in an average of 19.3 minutes per game. A heart procedure that James underwent last summer impacted his performance. The procedure resulted in a nearly five-month layoff that affected his development.
Praise from Lakers’ Management and Coaching Staff
Lakers’ Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, Rob Pelinka, expressed confidence in James’ mindset and potential, especially as a point-of-attack defender. Newly appointed Lakers coach JJ Redick also emphasized James’ importance in the team’s revamped player development program.
“We view Bronny as Case Study One because of his base level of feel, athleticism, point-of-attack defense, shooting, and passing,” Redick said. “There’s a lot to like about his game, and as we build out our player development program holistically, he’s going to have a great opportunity to become an excellent NBA player.”
Upcoming Debut
Bronny James and Dalton Knecht will make their summer league debuts on Saturday in San Francisco against the Sacramento Kings during the California Classic. This will be an exciting opportunity for fans to see the new Lakers’ talents in action.
Lakers’ Roster
The Lakers signed Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, bringing their roster to 15 players, the maximum number allowed for an NBA team. This finalizes the team’s lineup as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The anticipation surrounding the historic pairing of LeBron James and his son Bronny is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting the new season to see how this unique dynamic will unfold on the court.
