Guest of the League
From Downtown
Slam Dunk - $ - Preseason | NBA Week 3

Lakers second-rounder Bronny James gets rare guaranteed contract

Tue Jul 2 12:53pm ET
Field Level Media

With LeBron James expected back for his 22nd season, the Los Angeles Lakers are breaking NBA norms by guaranteeing the rookie contract for second-round pick Bronny James.

Bronny James, drafted 55th overall, and first-round pick Dalton Knecht were introduced by the Lakers on Tuesday.

Typically, contracts for second-round draft picks aren't guaranteed.

The Athletic reported Bronny James is signing a multiyear contract and will start his career on the Lakers' roster.


LeBron James declined his option for 2024-25 but is expected to re-sign with the Lakers. According to reports, the hold up in signing LeBron is the Lakers' mission to add another experienced veteran. ESPN reported LeBron told general manager Rob Pelinka he would take less money if Los Angeles can sign a quality free agent, such as DeMar DeRozan.

Bronny James, a guard, played 25 games in college at Southern California after suffering cardiac arrest during a summer workout last July. He was seen as a fringe second-round pick and was highly expected to join his future Hall of Fame father in Los Angeles.

Bronny James, 19, had private workouts with only the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns before the draft.

Pelinka said in a statement, "In the history of the NBA, there's never been a father and a son that have shared an NBA basketball court and that feels like something that could be magical. We know, and have to respect of course, that LeBron has a decision (due by Saturday) on his opt-out ... but if it worked out that he was on our team next season, NBA history could be made. And NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform."

The Lakers' other superstar, Anthony Davis, endorsed the club selecting his teammate's son.

"He's very good defensively," Davis said of Bronny James to ESPN. "He can read the floor very well. I think he's a really good playmaker. I saw him work out a couple times besides the (Klutch Sports) pro day and working with a big -- his reads, reading the defense, making the right passes -- that was really impressive to me. I think he's going to be fine, man. Obviously it's a lot of pressure on him with his dad being who he is."

Player Notes
De'Andre Hunter Sat Nov 9 3:10pm

Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) remains out for Saturday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. He's appeared in only two games this season, most recently finishing with 24 points and seven boards in the win over the Hornets on October 25. However, he hasn't been on the floor since, so Saturday will mark his ninth-consecutive absence. It's unknown when Hunter will be ready to return. But until he does, Zaccharie Risacher, averaging 12.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks in eight starts this season, has a place in fantasy lineups.

Ben Simmons Sat Nov 9 3:00pm

Brooklyn Nets utility man Ben Simmons (back) won't play in Saturday's game against the undefeated Cavaliers. He had one of his best games of the 2024-25 campaign in Friday's overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, amassing eight points, eight assists, six boards, and one steal. But as will be the case for Simmons for the foreseeable future, he won't play in back-to-back contests in an effort to preserve his health. Noah Clowney could see some action on Saturday night with Simmons off the floor. However, Clowney has averaged just 6.1 points and 3.3 rebounds this season, giving him little value for fantasy managers.

Trey Murphy III Sat Nov 9 2:50pm

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (hamstring) is expected to make his 2024-25 debut on Monday against Brooklyn. The 24-year-old, who recently signed a four-year, $112 million extension, averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 38.0% shooting from behind the arc last season. Unfortunately, he hasn't played yet this season because of a hamstring injury. Without question, this is certainly excellent news for the Pelicans, considering the team is without Dejounte Murray (hand), Zion Williamson (hamstring), and CJ McCollum (adductor). While Murphy could see limited time on the floor for a few games, it shouldn't take him long to enter the starting lineup, where he should remain until Murray, Williamson, and McCollum return.

Zion Williamson Sat Nov 9 2:30pm

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) is out indefinitely, the team announced on Saturday. The 24-year-old has averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks this season. However, he's been limited to only six games. Fantasy managers remember when a hamstring injury forced the former Duke Blue Devil for the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign, so there is obvious concern. Hopefully, that won't be the case this time around. With Williamson sidelined moving ahead, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, averaging 12.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in two starts this season, could continue to fill the void in the rotation, at least until Trey Murphy III (hamstring) or Herbert Jones (shoulder) are back on the court.

LeBron James Sat Nov 9 2:00am

Los Angeles Lakers' F LeBron James recorded a triple-double, finishing with 21 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in a 116-106 win over the 76ers on Friday, Nov. 8.

Nikola Jokic Sat Nov 9 2:00am

Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 30 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in a 135-122 win over the Heat on Friday, Nov. 8.

Scotty Pippen Jr. Sat Nov 9 2:00am

Memphis' G Scotty Pippen Jr. recorded a triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in a 128-104 win over the Wizards on Friday, Nov. 8.

Cade Cunningham Sat Nov 9 2:00am

Detroit Pistons' G Cade Cunningham recorded a triple-double, finishing with 22 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds in a 122-121 win over the Hawks on Friday, Nov. 8.

Devin Vassell Sat Nov 9 12:00am

San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (foot) is probable heading into Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. The 24-year-old is coming off a solid season, averaging a career-high in 68 games. Unfortunately, he suffered a stress fracture late in March and has been working his way back since. Without question, Vassell has untapped potential. While there's an excellent chance he'll be even more productive during the 2024-25 campaign, it could take him a few weeks to get back up to speed. With that said, It's unknown if Vassell will come off the bench or start in his first game back, whenever that will be. But he will likely see limited minutes, meaning Stephon Castle, coming off a 14-point, six-assist showing, could see at least a few more starts.

Zach LaVine Fri Nov 8 11:50pm

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (adductor) is questionable for Saturday's game in Atlanta. The 29-year-old last played in the win over Brooklyn on November 1, scoring 21 points while going 5-for-9 from behind the arc. However, he's missed the Bulls' previous three contests because of a right adductor strain. If LaVine can't return for Saturday's contest, Ayo Dosunmu, averaging 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in three starts this season, should continue to fill the void in the rotation.

Immanuel Quickley Fri Nov 8 11:50pm

Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) is questionable for Saturday's game versus the Clippers. He hasn't played since the opener and has been on the shelf since because of a pelvic contusion. Fortunately, there's optimism the former Knick will be back soon, potentially as early as Saturday's game. It's unknown if Quickley will see limited minutes in his first game back, assuming he plays. But if he's not back on the floor, Davion Mitchell, averaging 10.3 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in eight starts this season, could continue to directly benefit.

Keyonte George Fri Nov 8 11:50pm

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (foot) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Spurs. The 21-year-old has played well this season, averaging a career-high 15.6 points and 6.4 assists. But he's in danger of missing the meeting with San Antonio because of foot soreness. If George can't get on the floor, Jordan Clarkson would presumably take over his spot in the rotation, increasing his fantasy potential. Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen could also benefit from a production standpoint without George in the equation.

Malaki Branham Fri Nov 8 11:50pm

San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's contest versus the Utah Jazz. The 2022 No. 20 overall pick recorded a season-high 17 points in Thursday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers. But he tweaked his ankle late in the game and is now questionable against a Jazz team with only one victory during the 2024-25 campaign. Branham has played relatively well this season. However, he's not a consistent fantasy producer, and even if he plays, his outlook won't be as favorable if Devin Vassell (foot) is back on the floor.

Jamal Murray Fri Nov 8 7:50pm

According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (concussion) is expected to play versus the Miami Heat on Friday. Murray has missed three straight games after being placed in concussion protocol on November 1st after suffering a concussion versus the Timberwolves. If the 27-year-old's time on the court is limited on Friday, expect Christian BraunandPeyton Watsonto grab some of the minutes that could be potentially available.

Devin Booker Fri Nov 8 7:20pm

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (illness) will play on Friday versus the Dallas Mavericks. The sharpshooter was a late addition to the injury report because of an illness. However, he's good to go. Bradley Beal (elbow) is also cleared to suit up, meaning fewer minutes and scoring opportunities will be available for guys like Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and Tyus Jones.

Bradley Beal Fri Nov 8 7:20pm

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (elbow) will play on Friday versus the Mavericks. The elbow injury isn't anything new, so most were aware that there was a good chance he'd be out there on Friday night. With Devin Booker (illness) also cleared to suit up, it should mean fewer minutes and scoring opportunities for Royce O'Neale, Grayson Allen, and Tyus Jones.

Grant Williams Fri Nov 8 6:50pm

Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (back) will take the court against the Pacers on Friday despite dealing with some lower back soreness earlier in the day. He was initially listed as probable after sustaining the injury during Wednesday's win over the Pistons. With Miles Bridges (knee) out, the 25-year-old is expected to be part of the starting lineup. Across eight contests, Williams is averaging 8.6 points, 2.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in 26.0 minutes per game.

Gary Trent Jr. Fri Nov 8 6:20pm

Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (back) won't play in Friday's meeting with the New York Knicks. The 25-year-old began the season in the starting lineup. However, he's struggled this season, resulting in a demotion to the bench in favor of Andre Jackson Jr., who had seven points, four assists, and four steals in Thursday's win over the Utah Jazz. With that said, Trent wouldn't have been featured in most fantasy lineups, so his absence on Friday won't be much of a blow to managers.

Zion Williamson Fri Nov 8 6:10pm

According to Orlando Magic beat writer Adam Koffler, New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green announced that power forward Zion Williamson will not play in Friday's game against Orlando because of tightness in his left hamstring. The 24-year-old attempted to participate in the game on Wednesday but temporarily left due to an unspecified injury; however, he managed to complete the game. With Williamson unavailable, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Daniel Theis are expected to receive more minutes on the court.

T.J. McConnell Fri Nov 8 6:00pm

Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (illness) won't play in Friday's matchup with the Hornets. The veteran was listed as questionable. But an illness will keep him off the floor against Charlotte. McConnell isn't a consistent fantasy producer, considering he has averaged 9.8 points and 4.1 assists this season. However, his absence could mean more work for Ben Sheppard, who will likely draw value attention from DFS managers on Friday evening.


Rotate for more data.