Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, has made headlines by signing a lucrative rookie contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal, which spans four years, guarantees him an impressive $7.9 million.
The tweet states,
“Bronny James Just Signed A 4-Year, $7.9 Million Deal When Last Year’s 55th Pick Signed A Two-Way Contract Worth $560K.”
Bronny James Just Signed A 4-Year, $7.9 Million Deal When Last Year's 55th Pick Signed A Two-Way Contract Worth $560K https://t.co/KTsOSxzgDq pic.twitter.com/dhIzKVZYNV
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 3, 2024
This hefty contract for a rookie raises questions about the role of potential and legacy in the NBA draft landscape.
Bronny James’s Contract Details
- Duration:Â Four years
- Guaranteed Money:Â $7.9 million
- Team Option:Â A fourth-year team option
Last Year’s 55th Pick: Isaiah Wong
Isaiah Wong, a guard from the Miami Hurricanes, was the 55th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. His contract? A mere two-day deal worth $560,000. Despite being the ACC Player of the Year and leading Miami to the Final Four, Wong’s contract pales in comparison to Bronny’s guaranteed multi-million-dollar contract.
Why the Lakers Took Bronny at #55:
- LeBron Connection:Â The decision to draft Bronny James likely stems from keeping LeBron James in Los Angeles. The Lakers secured a future investment by selecting the younger James.
- Media Hype: While Bronny’s college performance was modest (averaging 4 points per game), media narratives about his character and work ethic played a role in the Lakers’ choice.
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