Bronny James Joins Lakers, Teams Up with LeBron

Bronny James was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft on Thursday, bringing the 19-year-old onto the same team as his father, LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion. Bronny, picked 55th overall, joins the Lakers after playing a single season at the University of Southern California (USC), where he averaged 4.8 points per game. His tenure at USC was marked by a steady development of his skills, demonstrating flashes of brilliance that caught the attention of NBA scouts. Despite his relatively modest statistics, his performance in the highly competitive Pac-12 Conference and his potential for growth made him a desirable pick.

The Lakers’ selection of Bronny sets the stage for an unprecedented moment in NBA history: the first father-son duo to play together on the same team. As Bronny prepares for his rookie season, his father LeBron, at 39, is gearing up for his 22nd season in the league. This historic pairing has generated significant excitement among fans and media alike, as it combines the proven legacy of LeBron with the fresh potential of his son. Bronny’s performance at the NBA Draft Combine was a key factor in his selection; he excelled particularly in the 3-point shooting drills, ranking among the top performers. This showing underscored his shooting prowess and versatility, making him a valuable asset to the Lakers’ roster.

LeBron, currently a free agent, has the option to extend his contract with the Lakers for one more year, worth $51.4 million. His decision to remain with the team not only strengthens the Lakers’ championship prospects but also facilitates this historic collaboration with his son. LeBron’s net worth is estimated at $1.2 billion, making him the first active NBA player to become a billionaire. This financial milestone reflects his dominance on the court and his extensive business ventures off it, including lucrative endorsements and successful investments.

Bronny’s path to the NBA has been shaped by his standout high school career at Sierra Canyon High School, where he emerged as a 4-star recruit. At 6’2″, he played guard and showcased a well-rounded game, earning attention for his defensive abilities and court vision. During his freshman year at USC, Bronny had a field goal percentage of 36.6% while averaging 19.4 minutes per game. His collegiate career was interrupted by a significant health scare in July 2023 when he collapsed during a practice due to cardiac arrest. After a rigorous recovery process, he was cleared for full participation by December and made his USC debut soon after, playing several games into the season.

In addition to his on-court achievements, Bronny has also made substantial gains off the court through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. His endorsements include partnerships with major brands like Nike, Beats by Dre, and PSD underwear, estimated to earn him nearly $5 million. These deals not only reflect his marketability but also his potential to become a major star in the NBA. Despite the anticipation surrounding his move to the Lakers, Bronny has consistently emphasized his desire to establish his own legacy in the league. He has expressed his aspirations without mentioning specific teams, focusing instead on making a name for himself through his performance and hard work.