Bronny James Set to Sign Multi-Year Guaranteed Contract with LA Lakers
ICARO Media Group
In a highly anticipated move, Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, is reportedly signing a multi-year guaranteed contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, as confirmed by Shams Charania. The agreement comes as no surprise, considering the influential factors surrounding the deal.
Firstly, having LeBron James as his father virtually ensured that Bronny would be taken care of in his basketball career. Additionally, his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, had previously stated that Bronny would not be pursuing a two-way contract.
The rules governing second-round pick contracts allow for more flexibility compared to first-round picks. While first-round selections follow a rookie-scale payment structure, second-round picks have multiple options. They can sign deals above the minimum salary using parts of the team's mid-level exception, opt for two-way contracts, or ink multi-year deals with a defined salary utilizing the new CBA's second-round pick exception.
Details surrounding Bronny's contract are currently scarce. It is anticipated that he will sign a minimum contract, but the specific length and financial terms remain unknown. Teams often determine their interest in second-round picks based on the type of contract players are willing to accept. If a team is only offering a two-way deal, agents tend to steer their clients away from that option.
In Bronny's case, Rich Paul seems to have guided the entire league away from considering him, focusing instead on securing a deal with the Lakers. During ESPN's draft broadcast, Bob Myers reported that Paul had informed teams that James would not sign with them if selected, and instead would pursue opportunities in Australia.
With this multi-year, guaranteed contract, Bronny and Paul have achieved their desired outcome. The young player will have ample opportunities to develop in Los Angeles alongside his father, LeBron James, who was still technically a free agent as of Tuesday afternoon. Even if immediate playing time may be limited, Bronny will have the necessary time and resources to become the best version of himself as a professional basketball player.
This signing marks another chapter in the James family's basketball legacy, with Bronny poised to make his mark within the prestigious Los Angeles Lakers organization. Fans eagerly await the official announcement of the contract details and anticipate watching Bronny's growth and progress in the years to come.