![NBA: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers](https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/21939728.jpg)
With LeBron James anticipated to return for his twenty second season, the Los Angeles Lakers broke with NBA follow and supplied second-round decide Bronny James a rookie contract.
On Tuesday, the Lakers added Bronny James, the fifty fifth general decide, and first-round decide Dalton Knecht.
“It is all so surreal,” Bronny James mentioned throughout a information convention with Knecter, head coach J.J. Redick and common supervisor Rob Pelinka. “Simply attempting to take all of it in slowly. I am so grateful for every little thing JJ and Rob have given me. I am actually excited to get began.”
Redick corrected Bronny James’ assertion that he “bought nothing.”
“I need to make clear one thing you simply mentioned: Rob and I did not give Bronny something. Bronny deserved it. Bronny talked about his arduous work. Bronny earned it via his arduous work.” Yeah,” Redick mentioned. “There’s quite a bit to love about his sport. Once we absolutely develop our participant improvement program, he will have a terrific alternative to grow to be a high quality NBA participant.”
Sometimes, second-round draft picks’ contracts are usually not assured. Bronny James will signal a multi-year contract and can start his profession on the Lakers roster, in response to The Athletic.
LeBron James attended the press convention together with his arms folded, away from the cameras because the Lakers awaited his subsequent transfer.
LeBron James declined his choice for the 2024-25 season however is anticipated to re-sign with the Lakers. The Lakers reportedly delayed signing LeBron so as to add one other seasoned veteran. ESPN stories that LeBron advised common supervisor Rob Pelinka that he would pay much less if Los Angeles signed a high quality free agent like DeMar DeRozan.
Bronny James is a guard who performed 25 video games at USC after struggling a cardiac arrest throughout a summer season exercise final July. He was considered as a fringe second-round decide and was extremely anticipated to hitch his future Corridor of Fame father in Los Angeles.
Bronny James, 19, solely had non-public exercises with the Lakers and Phoenix Suns earlier than the draft.
Pelinka mentioned in an announcement, “Within the historical past of the NBA, there has by no means been a father and son sharing an NBA basketball courtroom. It looks like a magical factor. We all know that, in fact, we should respect that.” LeBron might be on the courtroom subsequent week. The choice on his exit was made six years in the past…but when he joins our workforce subsequent season, NBA historical past will be made, and NBA historical past needs to be made in a Lakers uniform.
One other Lakers famous person, Anthony Davis, helps the membership’s choice of his teammate’s son.
“He performs nice protection,” Davis mentioned of Bronny James in an interview with ESPN. “He reads the ground very nicely. I believe he is an excellent playmaker. Along with the (Klutch Sports activities) professional day, I bought to see him work out a couple of occasions and work with an enormous man — —He reads, reads the protection, makes the fitting decisions.
–Scene-level media