Bronny James Is Making More Than 14 Times What The No. 55 Pick Made Last Year

ByJoey Heldon July 9, 2024inArticles›Sports News

One of the storylines during the 2024 NBA Draft was whether a team would select Bronny James , the son of LeBron James . Under normal circumstances, Bronny would not be drafted by an NBA franchise. He put up subpar numbers on a bad college team and is still less than a year away from experiencing a serious heart condition on the court. But this is not your typical situation. Bronny is the son of one of the greatest players of all time, and his agent actively encouraged other teams not to draft the 19-year-old, so he could ultimately wind up on the same roster as his father.

The Lakers agreed to contracts with LeBron and Bronny on the same day. LeBron will be making $104 million over two seasons. That’s a ton of money, but he’s earned it over a 20-year career. He’s broken all kinds of records, including scoring more points than any player ever. Bronny has not played a single game in the NBA and still signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract. The first three years are guaranteed, and the fourth has a team option.

In most cases, second-round picks sign smaller deals that are partially or not at all guaranteed. We saw that happen with Isaiah Wong, the 55th pick of the 2023 NBA Draft.

Bronny James Is Making More Than 14 Times What The No. 55 Pick Made Last Year - 1

Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Indiana Pacers drafted the talented guard out of Miami, who helped lead the Hurricanes to the Elite Eight in 2022 and the Final Four in 2023. Wong signed a two-way contract with the Pacers worth $559,782. Bronny will make more than 14 times that salary over the length of his contract.

Wong appeared in one game for the Pacers, primarily playing in the G League. We’d imagine Bronny will see time on an NBA court at least a few times with the Lakers simply because of the hype around his roster spot.

It’s clear Bronny’s relation to LeBron has helped him, but is this type of deal completely unheard of? Sam Vecenie of The Athletic pointed out that other players taken around Bronny’s draft slot have gotten multiple guaranteed years, though those guys all played better in college.

Another fun tidbit: Yahoo Sports noted that Bronny’s contract is higher than what Nikola Jokic got from the Denver Nuggets in 2015. Jokic signed a four-year deal worth $5.5 million and has since won three MVP awards and an NBA championship.

While Wong hasn’t had an immediate NBA impact, other recent selections at the 55th pick have signed long-term deals. Gui Santos, chosen in the 2022 NBA Draft, signed a three-year, $5.1 million contract with the Warriors with more than $1 million guaranteed. The Oklahoma City Thunder took Aaron Wiggins at No. 55 in the 2021 NBA Draft; he just agreed to a five-year, $47 million extension.

We’ll find out soon enough whether Bronny can earn a second contract with his play on the court.

  • The Lakers Have Agreed To Deals For Both LeBron And Bronny James — Here’s How Much They’ll Make
  • Bronny James Net Worth
  • If You Want To Get REALLY Rich In The NBA, You Actually Want To Be A SECOND Round Draft Pick…
  • How Much Money Do NBA Draft Picks Make?
  • After He Opted Out Of A $51.4 Million Contract, What’s LeBron James’s Next Move?
  • Lu Dort Went From Undrafted To An $87.5 Million Contract

After He Opted Out Of A $51.4 Million Contract, What’s LeBron James’s Next Move?

ByJoey Heldon July 2, 2024inArticles›Sports News

This is often a tense time of year for NBA teams. We’re in the period between the NBA Draft and the start of free agency. There are a few days where teams technically can’t negotiate, and then about a week where they can, and come July 6, they can officially sign with a team, whether it’s their current squad or a new one. This is also the time when guys who have player options choose to either play their final year or opt out of their contracts. Paul George informed the Los Angeles Clippers he’d be opting out of his $48.7 million contract for next season, and LeBron James did the same with the Los Angeles Lakers, opting out of his $51.4 million deal.

Early reports seem to indicate George is on his way to another team, with the Philadelphia 76ers being the frontrunner. We’ll keep an eye on his movements, but for now, let’s focus on LeBron. The Lakers used the No. 55 draft pick on his son, Bronny James . If you’ve paid attention to the college and foreign basketball scene, you’d know Bronny James was not a top 58 (the number of picks in this draft) or even a top 100 player this past season.

But when your dad is arguably the greatest player of all time, you can get your foot in doors that aren’t open to everybody. Now, the question is what the elder James plans to do.

Bronny James Is Making More Than 14 Times What The No. 55 Pick Made Last Year - 2

Harry How/Getty Images

It seems like James is set on staying with the Lakers and at least getting the opportunity to play with his son. They would be the first father-son duo to ever take the court together. LeBron has accomplished plenty in the NBA, and while in Los Angeles, he set the all-time scoring record in 2023. Why not do something else historical in the City of Angels?

If James does return to the Lakers, he’ll have a choice. He could either sign for a long-term deal to maximize his earnings, take a pay cut to allow the Lakers to strengthen the roster around him, or continue the “one-and-one” contracts he’s signed in the later stages of his career. These deals are for two years, but the second is a player option. With the salary cap increasing quite a bit every year, James has ensured he’s getting the highest amount possible each season.

Few players could bet on themselves with such regular success. James has avoided major injury while continuing to be a top player in the NBA, so he can dictate his contracts a bit more than just about everyone else in the league.

But with Bronny in tow, will LeBron go the pay-cut route instead? He turns 40 this season, and the Lakers, as constructed, are probably not good enough to win the championship. However, if James could lure a savvy veteran or two, the Lakers could be in business.

Whatever James decides to do, it’s very likely we’ll witness history this upcoming season. And that’s never a bad thing.

  • How Much Money Will LeBron James Sacrifice In His Quest For Rings? How Does The IRS Impact Decision 2.0?
  • LeBron James Took A Risky Contract Gamble That’s About To Payoff Big Time
  • LeBron James Will Take A Massive Pay Cut To Play With His Son Next Season
  • LeBron James Signs With The Los Angeles Lakers – How Much Will He Make?
  • LeBron James Wants To “Break The Mold” With His Next Contract… Here’s What That Means
  • LeBron James Will Make More Money Somewhere Else Than He Would Re-Signing With The Cavs