Bronny links up with dad LeBron on LA Lakers – but misses out on millions

BRONNY James will team up with dad LeBron James after all, becoming the first father-son duo in NBA history.

The Los Angeles Lakers picked the former University of Southern California guard at No. 55 on Day 2 of the 2024 NBA Draft.

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Bronny, 18, had to wait until the end of the second round to learn his fate.

He received the news while in Los Angeles since he wasn’t invited to the green room.

The 6-foot-2 guard’s dream came true hearing his name called after a strong pre-draft process that boosted his stock.

Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka could be seen triumphantly shaking hands with members of his front office after drafting Bronny.

LeBron’s younger son, Bryce, posted a video of the moment his sibling’s selection was officially announced by deputy commissioner Mark Tatum.

In the clip, the emotional Lakers guard could be seen choking back tears – as did his mother, Savannah.

Bronny later said in an Instagram story he was “beyond blessed” to be joining the organization.

Bronny’s draft position was one of the biggest unknowns of the already unpredictable 2024 draft because of LeBron’s previous remarks about potentially teaming up with his son in the NBA.

The ex-USC star ended up working out for the Lakers and Phoenix Suns only.

And while he was widely expected to end up in Los Angeles, reports maintained that Phoenix had an interest in the young James.

That raised questions about whether one of the teams would try to pounce early and select Bronny in the first round.

The unlikely scenario never materialized and the guard was still on the board on Day 2, costing him a lot of money.

Teams have to offer their first-round picks a salary in accordance with the rookie scale contract.

No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher will ink a four-year deal worth about $57 million with the Atlanta Hawks.

2024 NBA Draft order – lottery picks

1. Atlanta Hawks
2. Washington Wizards
3. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn)
4. San Antonio Spurs
5. Detroit Pistons
6. Charlotte Hornets
7. Portland Trail Blazers
8. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto)
9. Memphis Grizzlies
10. Utah Jazz
11. Chicago Bulls
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston)
13. Sacramento Kings
14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State)

Although the values of the contract drop with the draft order, Boston Celtics rookie Baylor Scheierman should still pocket at least $5 million per year after going at No. 30 to wrap up the first round.

But second-round picks aren’t subject to the same salary restrictions and typically sign for the league minimum or ink a two-year deal.

Last month, Bronny’s agent Rich Paul made it clear his client wouldn’t sign a two-year contract.

Meanwhile, a rookie minimum is projected to be worth about $1.16 million in 2024-25.

Paul, who is the older James’ agent as well, also insisted that he didn’t try to force the Bronny-LeBron link-up in Los Angeles.

“If [LeBron] wants to play with his son, that’s that,” he said.

“But again, I have a job to do representing Bronny and LeBron.

“LeBron’s season’s over. I’m focused on Bronny and the rest of our draft class.

“If it aligns where he can play with his dad, great. Am I necessarily focused on that? No, not at all.

“I’m focused on a team-plan investment and a seriousness as it pertains to fit and opportunity.”

Paul added Bronny’s camp approached the draft trying to find the best place for their star’s long-term development.

“He’s a really good prospect who has a lot of room for growth. It only takes one team,” the superagent said.

“I don’t care where that team is — it can be No. 1 or 58 — [but] I do care about the plan, the development.

“The team’s strategy, the opportunity, and the financial commitment.”

Bronny has made it to the NBA less than 12 months after suffering a cardiac arrest at USC practice.

He was later diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, which caused the medical emergency.