When the Lakers went for Dalton Knecht as their 17th pick, it was pretty much a sealed deal that they were getting Bronny James with their second-round pick. His agent, Rich Paul, reportedly threatened teams not to make their move because the LA side was interested in the 19-year-old. Apparently, the Klutch Sports CEO told them Bronny would play in Australia if they were to draft him. Taking the cutthroat businessman’s word for it, they left LeBron James’ son for the Purple & Gold to pick up.

And now, the latest headline in the James-Lakers’ star-crossed relationship (of late, that is) was James Jr.’s multi-year guaranteed contract. First-round picks receive guaranteed contracts. That is a rule we are all familiar with and have accepted. However, the usual norm for second-round picks, particularly one so late, is a two-way, partially guaranteed, or non-guaranteed route.

Then again, Bronny James is not a usual rookie, is he?

Popular media veteran, Jason Whitlock of Fearless with Jason Whitlock, agrees. “[It] is a bit unusual. It’s not unprecedented, but second-round picks, particularly late-round second-round picks, don’t normally get guaranteed contracts. They get two-way contracts. But Bronny got it. He’s a kid of privilege,” the former ESPN employee said.

The ‘unusual’ factor would make sense when you take into account last year’s 55th pick, Isaiah Wong’s contract. The Pacers drafted the former Miami Hurricanes guard at No. 55, signing him to a 2-way contract worth $559,782. According to a report by Fox Sports, it is 14x less than what Los Angeles offered Bronny.

The ex-USC guard’s contract is a $7.9 million deal for 4 years. The 6’2 Akron native will earn close to $1.2 million in his 1st year, with the number rising each year. It also has a team option for the final year, that is 2027-28, by which Bronny will be earning $2.48 million/year.

Is it truly unusual for a second-round pick to get a guaranteed contract?

In a word, no.

In a study conducted by NBC Sports in 2018, it was found to be not the case. As per the study, out of the 132 college players drafted in the second round of then-past 6 drafts, 91 (68.9%) of them had a guaranteed contract. It has been five years since the study. Given the rapid changes that happen in the NBA, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that this number has also increased.

So, while the second-round picks might not receive a rookie contract on the same scale as their first-round counterparts, the trend towards the offers of multi-year contracts is reportedly on the rise. Three second-round picks, Chris Livingston (58), Trayce Jackson-Davis (57), and Toumani Camara (52), in 2023 had signed fully guaranteed contracts with a team option in their fourth year.

Given Bronny James’ circumstances and the underwhelming season he had at USC, it’s understandable why it is hard to justify his contract. In fact, during the introductory rookie press conference, first-time coach JJ Redick was quick to correct Bronny when he thanked the Lakers VP “for everything they’ve given me.” JJ’s lightning-fast reflex to this statement would have put Zeus to shame!

“Rob and I did not give Bronny anything. Bronny has earned this through hard work,” JJ said promptly.

Whether it was a sudden slip-up or not, we’ll leave it in your hands. But James Jr. will have to put up performances that support his claims if he is to step out of his father’s massive shadow.

 But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe.

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