Lakers Include Potential Out in Bronny James’ Contract

The Lakers have made some interesting moves with Bronny James. It was obvious they were drafting him in the second round, and it would have been a bit surprising if they gave him a two-way contract.

But a four-year, $7.9 million contract was a big commitment for a largely unproven player. However, Los Angeles is making sure that commitment isn’t too steep.

Lakers News: Los Angeles Has Unique Option in Bronny James' Contract

Bronny’s four-year contract includes a team option in the fourth year, which allows Los Angeles to part ways with him if it’s not working out. Most fans might not know this, but the team option is the standard for a second-round pick exception.

That makes sense for several reasons. The Lakers will do everything they can to make this partnership work, so it doesn’t upset LeBron.

But LeBron is already 39 years old and has a player option in 2025, meaning he’s only guaranteed to be a Laker for this upcoming season.

There’s a good chance that LeBron won’t be a Laker in a couple of years, and if Bronny doesn’t pan out it wouldn’t make any sense for LA to keep him around.

Some fans might not be happy that Bronny is getting special treatment. But it’s worth it to look at the value. 

Bronny is maxing out at $2.48 million per year in the third year of his contract, which will likely make him the lowest-paid player on the team at the time. 

For comparison’s sake, first-round pick Dalton Knecht will earn the equivalent of Bronny’s entire contract in his first two years alone.

At the end of the day, $8 million is a small price to pay to keep LeBron around, and this is a low-cost commitment that might only last three years.

Don’t sweat Bronny’s deal and enjoy every season you get to root for one of the greatest players of all time, because it’s only guaranteed one season at a time.

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