Bronny James’ Financial Setback Could Improve With 2 Lakers Superstars Contract Termination

The Los Angeles Lakers need to find a solution for the 2024-25 season because they haven’t built the current roster to challenge for titles. The Denver Nuggets brutally exposed their weaknesses in the first-round series, as they romped to a 4-1 series win. Lakers really gave the reigning champs a run for their money, but Denver’s sheer brilliance was just too much to handle. With the commencement of their offseason, the Lakers’ hierarchy would ponder over ways to improve the team, and bringing in Bronny James could be part of their solution.

Bronny James has struggled in his freshman season with the USC Trojans. The 19-year-old point guard could only manage to average 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes of playing time. His subpar performances for USC have severely jeopardized his prospects of playing in the NBA and his NIL (Name, Image Likeness) value. Bronny James’ NIL value took a hit of around $800,000. Back when he was about to kick off his freshman year, it was a whopping $4.7 million, but now it’s down to $3.7 million.

Despite this decline, Bronny James still remains the 2nd most valuable college athlete, only behind Shedeur Sanders. However, his poor showings for USC have had a much more adverse effect on his NBA Draft prospects. According to ESPN’s recent 2024 NBA Draft projections, Bronny would go undrafted. Furthermore, he would be a second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, the Los Angeles Lakers’ exit in the first round of the playoffs could prove to be very beneficial for Bronny’s NBA prospects as well as his NIL value.

Could the Lakers hand Bronny James an NBA lifeline?

The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2023-24 season eventually ended in disappointment after showing signs of promise. Several Lakers fans have pointed figures at HC Darvin Ham for their team’s subpar performances. The frustration with Ham extends to the very top of the Lakers’ hierarchy. According to the Athletic, “The Lakers believed this roster was built for much more than a first-round defeat.” Therefore, barring a miracle or change of heart, Ham would most likely get the sack.

However, there are other problem areas too that need sorting out, with LeBron James’ future as a Laker topping the list. James’ contract with the Los Angeles Lakers has ended. However, he does have a player option worth $51.4 million that he could trigger before 29th June. It still remains to be seen whether LeBron opts into his option or not. But the Lakers desperately want to keep hold of him. They are even willing to offer a three-year contract extension worth $164 million. Moreover, the Lakers are even considering drafting Bronny in the 2024 NBA Draft in order to entice James to stay.

If LeBron James decides to stay, major roster changes would be inevitable. The Los Angeles Lakers do have three first-round draft picks and valuable contracts that they could flip for a star player or beef up the supporting cast around AD and LeBron. Two names that pop up straight away are Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. While both the players have been excellent servants to the Lakers organization, past performances have shown that they just aren’t at the level required to win championships.

With the Lakers facing an uncertain future, the management would have to make tough decisions. Even if it means trading valuable squad players like Reaves and Hachimura. What are your thoughts? Would the Lakers trade away Reaves and Hachimura? Will they draft Bronny James? Let us know in the comments below!