LeBron and Bronny James have both agreed to deals with the Los Angeles Lakers, but Bronny is expected to spend most of the season in the G League after debuting with the Lakers.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Bronny, who was chosen with the 55th pick in last week’s NBA Draft, is expected to begin the season with the Lakers before going down to the South Bay Lakers for much of the season (2:20 mark below).
LeBron agreed to a two-year, $104 million contract, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The deal includes a player option for close to $54 million in 2025-26 and a no trade clause.
LeBron, who turns 40 in December, had a player option for $51 million for next season under his old contract.
Meantime, Bronny agreed to a four-year deal worth $7.9 million, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
His contract is highly unusual for a No. 55 pick in the NBA Draft. Many of them sign Two-Way Contracts, while some get guaranteed deals.
New coach J.J. Redick said Tuesday Bronny “earned” his way onto the team.
“Rob and I did not give Bronny anything,” Redick told reporters, referring to Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. “Bronny has earned this. ... Bronny has earned this through hard work.”
Bronny averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in 25 games this past season after debuting in December following cardiac arrest in July. He probably could have benefited from at least another year in college, but said he didn’t leave USC after one season with the idea of playing with his famous father LeBron James.
“Rob has told me that there’s a great development system here, so I just want to come in and get my work in and get better every day,” Bronny said. “I never really had a thought of me going to play with my dad. But that’s always there to take part of. But that wasn’t the main focus of mine.”
The Lakers also hired former NBA head coaches Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks as assistants under Redick, who is in his first head coaching gig, Woj reported.
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Adam Zagoria is a freelance reporter who covers Seton Hall and NJ college basketball for NJ Advance Media. You may follow him on Twitter @AdamZagoria and check out his Website at ZAGSBLOG.com.