(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers surprised absolutely nobody when they made USC guard Bronny James the 55th pick in last week’s NBA Draft, as LeBron James and their agent Rich Paul hadn’t been subtle during the pre-draft process about what the intentions were for Bronny.
We now have official details about what Bronny’s rookie contract looks like, and it’s quite solid for a second-round pick.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Bronny has signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract that is fully guaranteed and has a team option in his fourth season.
Bronny James has signed his rookie contract with the Lakers, per sources: Four years and $7.9 million. Team option in fourth season. https://t.co/NcgV8tgpnW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2024
Second-round picks don’t often have four-year guaranteed contracts, and when they do get guaranteed contracts, it isn’t always more than the league minimum.
First-rounders have a rookie wage scale, but second-rounders don’t have a set wage scale and instead count against the cap, so they negotiate directly with the team.
Therefore, Bronny’s contract will go against the cap, as will his father’s new two-year max deal.
After striking out in free agency once again, the Lakers are choosing to give all their money to the James family instead.
It’s a tough sell to a fanbase to give a 4-year guaranteed contract to a guy nobody else was likely going to draft and was five picks away from being undrafted, but that’s where the Lakers are now, and it’s also a tough sell to convince fans that this team is doing everything it can to win championships right now.
With this type of contract, Bronny will likely get playing time and won’t be spending time in the G-League.
Lakers fans have to hope he’s ready.
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