Lakers rookie Bronny James has signed a guaranteed contract, agreeing to a four-year deal potentially worth nearly $8 million, sources with knowledge of the deal but not authorized to discuss it publicly confirmed to The Times.
James, who was introduced to the team on Tuesday, was the Lakers’ second-round pick at No. 55 after a year at USC.
The Lakers receive a team option for the fourth year of the contract.
After missing the start of his freshman college season due to sudden cardiac arrest and surgery to repair a congenital heart defect, James played in 25 games, averaging 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds for the Trojans.
Read more: LeBron James agrees to two-year deal to stay with Lakers, includes no-trade clause
Still, the Lakers believe James can develop into a reliable rotation player who can impact the game with his shooting and defense.
“Bronny has earned this through hard work. And for us, who prioritize player development, we see Bronny as a case study because of his basic touch, his athleticism, his point-of-attack defense, his shooting, his passing,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said Tuesday. “There’s a lot to love about his game. And as we build our player development program holistically, he’s got a tremendous opportunity to become an outstanding NBA player.”
Bronny James is the first NBA player to share a league roster spot with his father. LeBron James, 39, agreed Wednesday to a two-year contract with a player option and a no-trade clause.
“I’ve seen it on social media and stuff and the internet and stuff and it’s been talked about like maybe I don’t deserve a chance,” Bronny James said. “But I’ve dealt with this stuff my whole life. So it’s no different. But it’s definitely amplified. But I’ll get through it.”
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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
