With LeBron James expected back for his 22nd season, the Los Angeles Lakers are breaking NBA norms by guaranteeing the rookie contract for his son, second-round pick Bronny James.
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Bronny James, drafted 55th overall, and first-round pick Dalton Knecht were introduced by the Lakers on Tuesday. Typically, contracts for second-round draft picks are not guaranteed.
The Athletic reported Bronny James is signing a multi-year contract and will start his career on the Lakers' roster.
LeBron James declined his option for 2024-25 but is expected to re-sign with the Lakers. According to reports, the hold up in signing LeBron is the Lakers' mission to add another experienced veteran.
ESPN reported that LeBron told general manager Rob Pelinka he would take less money if Los Angeles can sign a quality free agent, such as DeMar DeRozan.
Bronny James, a guard, played 25 games in college at Southern California after suffering cardiac arrest during a summer workout last July. He was seen as a fringe second-round pick and was widely expected to join his future Hall of Fame father in Los Angeles.
Bronny James, 19, had private workouts with the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns before the draft.
Pelinka said in a statement: "In the history of the NBA, there's never been a father and a son that have shared an NBA basketball court and that feels like something that could be magical."
Australian Associated Press
