While LeBron James decides on his future, it seems that the Los Angeles Lakers have decided to up the ante with his son, Bronny James’ contract. Spotrac’s Keith Smith has reported that the younger James is getting a fully guaranteed $2.3 million payday with the Lakers, which should be more incentive for him to stick to LA and maybe have his father stay there as well.
This would mean that the eldest of LeBron’s sons would be guaranteed a much bigger role with the Lakers next season, though he would not be a starter as Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves would still be the first options at PG and SG.
The decision came after the Lakers declined the team option on Nick Smith Jr., paving the way to give Bronny James more money and LeBron a bigger incentive to stay with the team. Last season, James was battling for minutes with Nick Smith Jr., and with him gone, he could now be the fifth option for the Lakers at guard.
With Smith gone, Bronny James is now the only developing guard left in the Lakers’ roster, though that can still change should the team decide to pick up more players. There is still plenty of time left in the season, though, as it stands, Bronny is guaranteed a bigger role, especially with Smith gone.
Still, this does not guarantee that LeBron will stick around, as rumors of him leaving LA to team up with Steph Curry at Golden State or go back to Cleveland and retire as a Cavalier continue to heat up.
Los Angeles Lakers Would Have Saved Some Money If They Let Bronny James Go
That guaranteed $2.2 million salary for Bronny James may be costing the Lakers more money, especially as they may be looking to retain LeBron’s services. However, if they had chosen to waive Bronny, they would have saved around $1 million.
Despite this increase in salary being tied to keeping LeBron, Bronny James himself has shown that he is slowly improving and developing his game. In addition, this decision by the Lakers could also mean that there is a good chance LeBron might be coming back, though it does not seem guaranteed for now.
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