LOS ANGELES — Bronny James signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract with the Lakers on Wednesday, a league source told ESPN, the same day LeBron James agreed to an extension with the team and ensuring the first father-son duo in NBA history will play for the Purple and Gold next season.
Bronny James’ contract starts at $1,157,143 in 2024-25, rises to $1,955,377 the following year, $2,296,271 in 2026-27 and $2,486,955 for a team option in 2027-28, sources told ESPN.
The Lakers announced Wednesday that they have reached agreement on contracts with Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, the 17th pick in this year’s draft, though they did not disclose terms.
James averaged 4.8 points on 36.6% shooting (26.7% from 3), 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes at USC after undergoing heart surgery last summer. He said the nearly five-month layoff because of the medical problem affected his development.
Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka praised James’ mindset and ability as a point-of-attack defender, and new Lakers coach JJ Redick said James, whom Los Angeles selected with the No. 55 pick last week, would be a top priority in the team’s new player development program.
“We view Bronny as Case Study One because he has that base level of feel, athleticism, point-of-attack defender, shooting, passing,” Redick said. “There’s a lot to like about his game, and as we build out our player development program holistically, he will have a great opportunity to become a great NBA player.”
James and Knecht will make their summer league debuts Saturday against the Sacramento Kings in the California Classic in San Francisco.
The Lakers now have 15 players on their team, the maximum number of players an NBA team can have.
