Shocking Guaranteed Contract for 55th Pick Bronny James: What This Means for the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA

The Los Angeles Lakers have secured a multi-year guaranteed contract for Bronny James, the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. This news comes from Shams Charania of The Athletic, who first reported on James’ contract.

It is unusual for second-round picks to secure guaranteed contracts in the NBA. Typically, players in this position need to prove themselves during NBA Summer League and training camps to earn a two-way contract. However, James’ agent, Rich Paul, made it clear that Bronny would not be signing a two-way deal during an interview with Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.

This move isn’t unprecedented as other second-round picks have received guaranteed contracts in the past. For example, Jalen Pickett and Chris Livingston signed multi-million dollar deals last year. Paul has significant influence in NBA circles and was able to negotiate a deal for his client.

Bronny James had a standout performance in a college game against Oregon State, showcasing his potential as a player. Despite an average freshman season at USC where he posted modest stats, James will now have the opportunity to develop with the Lakers and potentially earn playing time early on. Additionally, playing alongside his father will make history as the first father-son duo in NBA history.

Overall, this move by the Lakers is a smart one as they are bringing in talent while also providing stability for their young core. With LeBron James already on board, Bronny will have an excellent mentor to learn from and potentially help lead the team to future successes.