The Lakers signed Bronny James. But was it because of his famous NBA father LeBron James?

From a cardiac arrest in July 2023 to being signed by one of the NBA’s most successful teams, Bronny James has been through it all in just one year. He will join the Los Angeles Lakers and play alongside his father, LeBron James. The two will become the first father-son duo in NBA history.

For LeBron James, the question “Why?” was paramount when his son told him he wanted to turn pro. In an interview with the shop, LeBron said Bronny responded, “Because I want to make a name for myself.”

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The LA Lakers selected Bronny with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft last week. The 19-year-old is aware of the pressure that comes with playing alongside his father, explaining that he has already heard a lot about it on social media.

“I’ve dealt with this kind of stuff my whole life,” he said during his introductory press conference. “It’s no different. It’s certainly stronger, but I can get through it.”

Will Bronny live up to the high expectations? Fans will soon find out. In the meantime, here’s everything you need to know about the nepotism allegations, Bronny’s background, and his future salary.

What do people say about Bronny James and nepotism?

Yes, Bronny’s signing by the Lakers has caused some controversy. Newly appointed Lakers head coach JJ Redick stated that he and general manager Rob Pelinka “gave Bronny nothing” and said the young athlete earned the contract “through hard work.”

Even former Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade defended Bronny, the son of his former teammate, on the TODAY show.

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“You didn’t see Bronny James getting up at 5am to live his dream and the work he’s done behind the scenes to get to this point is incredible,” he says. “I love it, we’re all going to follow it, we’re all rooting for Bronny – and everyone, just let Bronny be himself.”

ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski also defended himself against accusations of nepotism, saying: “The NBA is full of it. The ownership, the management, the coaching. I don’t want to hear about it just because Bronny James’ father plays for the Lakers. It’s rife in this league.”

Bronny says it’s time for him to step out on the field to prove his haters wrong.

“I’m trying to make a name for myself,” Bronny said. “I just want to come here, do my job and get better every day. I never really thought about playing with my dad…that wasn’t my main concern.”

Where was Bronny James before the draft?

Bronny arrived at the University of Southern California (USC) in June 2023, but was held back by a cardiac arrest he suffered a month later during a summer workout at USC. He returned to play four months later after being cleared by doctors. He joined the team in the middle of the season and averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Not great numbers for a potential draftee.

Wojnarowski told NBA on ESPN, “When you’re judging his freshman season at USC and the lack of productivity that you would normally see, you have to consider the last five months, not only the physical comeback from an episode like that, but the mental comeback.” He further explained that there is still a lot of room for growth for a young player like Bronny.

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The 6’1″ guard caught even more attention from NBA teams at the 2024 Draft Combine in Chicago. He posted a max vertical throw of 40.50 inches, the fourth highest among participants, and impressed in the three-point drill. In other reports, he posted a lane agility time of 10.96 seconds, 3.02 in shuttle runs and 3.09 in three-quarter sprints. During that second practice game, Sporting News called Bronny “one of the best players on the court.”

In a scout report by Kyle Irving for the sports newsThe reporter also said that many believe he only made it thanks to his father, but he disagrees. “Others, like me, are convinced that he has the physical attributes and basketball IQ to be more successful in the NBA than in college,” he says.

Bronny hopes to improve his performance in the Lakers’ player development system, and explained that another year in college wouldn’t help much. “I just feel like I got a chance to show what I can really do, because I didn’t have that many opportunities at SC,” he said. “So I’m excited to see what happens.”

How did LeBron James react to the LA Lakers signing his son Bronny?

LeBron James immediately took to social media and posted “LEGACY!!!!!!”

History was made in the NBA. But it is no surprise, as LeBron had predicted (or hoped) that he would one day play alongside Bronny. In an interview with the Sporty In 2022, he said, “My last year will be playing with my son. Wherever Bronny is, that’s where I’ll be. I would do anything to play with my son for a year. At this point, it’s not about the money.”

The father-son duo are inseparable and support each other the most. From LeBron standing up when his Bronny scored the game-winning shot in a high school final to Bronny’s celebration when LeBron broke the NBA record for most points ever, the two spend a lot of time practicing together, along with LeBron’s younger son Bryce – who also plays basketball. And now they’ll share the court.

LeBron also recently signed a two-year, $104 million deal to stay with the Lakers.

When will we see Bronny in a Lakers jersey?

On Tuesday, Bronny and 17th pick Dalton Knecht arrived at the club’s training facility in El Segundo. Bronny will wear jersey number 9 and Knecht will wear jersey number 4.

Fans will see the two rookies for the first time in the NBA Summer League under coach Dane Johnson and under the supervision of Lakers head coach JJ Redick.

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How much will Bronny earn?

According to Spotrac, Bronny James will earn just under $2 million per year for the next four years, plus $5.4 million guaranteed.

The player also earns money from social media posts and advertisements. According to Forbes, Bronny is already worth an estimated $10 million, with Nike and Beats by Dr. Dre being two of his biggest sponsors.