Can we really conclude the Bronny James discussion without insights from Gilbert Arenas and Co.? When the details of Bronny’s fully guaranteed contract were revealed, it led to considerable debate. Naturally, second-round picks get fully guaranteed deals, especially the kind of amount he would be earning ($7.9 million over 4 years). The former USC guard is set to earn close to $1.2 million in his first year, with the final year’s remuneration reaching $2.48 million.
While the larger group was busy dissecting and ripping apart the Lakers, LeBron James, and his son, Arenas were blown off by the fact that the rookies were making millions now! The truth hit ‘Agent Zero’ full force when co-host, Josiah Johnson, reminded him about the Bucks’ 2023 second-round, 58th pick, Chris Livingston. Milwaukee had signed the Akron native to a four-year $7.6 million contract with $3 million guaranteed.
When Rashad McCants went down memory lane, touching on the emotional aspects, Gil incredulously asked him, “You thinking about that? I’m thinking about the damn millions!” Hilarious! But they soon got down to business. With this kind of contract, there will naturally be a level of expectation, right? No? Yes? Maybe?
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The Gil’s Arena crew, in their latest episode, also had differing opinions on the matter. “Nah.” That was McCants. For someone who loves to back up his response with details, it was probably the shortest answer ever. “I don’t have any expectations,” Lexie Brown said.
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 4
Do you think Bronny James deserves his $7.9 million Lakers contract?
Absolutely
No way
Too early to tell
Only because of LeBron
Have an interesting take?
What do you think about Jeff Bezos potentially buying an NBA team?
Excited
Worried
Indifferent
Angry
Have an interesting take?
Do you think Dejounte Murray's departure will benefit the Hawks?
Yes
No
Too early to tell
Absolutely
Have an interesting take?
Do you think Angel Reese's potential deal with Hershey's will elevate her career?
Absolutely
Not really
Only time will tell
It's just a marketing gimmick
Have an interesting take?
‘Gibby,’ though, had a more positive outlook. “Realistically, he’ll probably get in 10 to 20 games.” Brown, surprised that Gil was even considering playing time, interrupted him with wide eyes, asking, “You think he’s gonna play?” Not one to be left out, Rashad provided another input right in between. “If he plays, it’ll be absurd!”
However, the 3x All-Star had his reasons to believe that we would see Bronny James on the floor.
Gilbert Arenas explains his grounds for Bronny James game time
“Blowouts! You got to think about all the blowouts that’s going to happen!” the ex-Washington star said, practically jumping up and down as if he’s just had a Eureka moment. Seeing that he got his fellow hosts thinking, Arenas continued. “They blowout or we get blown out, so he going to get in about 8 to 20 games. He’ll get in for a couple minutes.”
Gil’s explanation seems to have enough facts to make sense to the Sparks guard. She agreed with the ex-Arizona product’s line of thought. “Yeah, it’s just like, if you going to use that spot, someone not going to play or a few people not going to play, why not?”
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In all honesty, if the Lakers are going to debut Bronny James, heeding Gil’s advice would be good. There is no doubt that the 19-year-old will be under even fiercer scrutiny. One small misstep and it will be raining fire. Hence, introducing him to the floor in a blowout wouldn’t be as risky. Then again, matters surrounding the Lakers and especially, with James, are at best, anyone’s guess.
What are your expectations for Bronny James? Who do you agree with? McCants, Lexie, or Arenas? Share your thoughts below.
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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Debate
Rashad McCants says Bronny playing for the Lakers is absurd—agree or disagree?