Former NBA All-Star Blake Griffin has questioned the Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to give Bronny James an $8 million fully guaranteed rookie contract after selecting him 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, arguing that a standard second-round deal would have lessened external pressure and accusations of favoritism.
Evaluating the Bronny James Draft Selection and Contract
Few rookies in modern basketball history have entered the league under a microscope as intense as the one surrounding Bronny James, the son of LeBron James. Speaking publicly on the WMBD podcast, Griffin made a clear distinction between the selection itself and the financial commitment that followed it.
“If you can get drafted, go get drafted. I have zero issues with him getting drafted at the 55th pick. I have zero issues at the Lakers being like, ‘Yeah, we’re going to do this,'” Griffin said. However, the six-time All-Star pointed to the financial terms as an unnecessary catalyst for scrutiny. “The thing that I think they probably messed up on is, don’t give him $8 million guaranteed. Give him what is normal for that pick.”
The Financial Reality and Name, Image, and Likeness Earnings
Second-round draft picks in the NBA do not typically command fully guaranteed multi-million-dollar deals. Traditional contracts for players selected late in the second round usually offer non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed minimums, allowing teams flexibility while the player develops—frequently in the NBA G League.
Griffin noted that the financial security provided by the guaranteed deal was unnecessary given Bronny’s prior earnings through name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements. “He made 10 times that in NIL. Maybe not 10 times, but he’s made his own money. And he also doesn’t ever have to worry about money,” Griffin explained. “Just give him the normal thing, and you get everybody off his back. Have him play in the G League.”
Navigating the Spotlight in Los Angeles
The debate over Bronny’s roster spot and contract intensified historical coverage of the Lakers, particularly after the franchise created the league’s first father-son teammate pairing. While supporters pointed to the unique marketing and cultural milestone of LeBron and Bronny sharing the court, critics frequently debated whether the younger James earned his roster spot through performance alone.
Griffin’s remarks suggest that a standard, non-guaranteed second-round contract might have buffered Bronny from relentless public debate about his salary and standing within the organization. Instead, every assignment and on-court appearance became a major national talking point.
Next Steps and Media Ventures
Griffin delivered his critique while promoting his upcoming Prime Video and YouTube studio series, “The Stepback With Blake Griffin,” which debuts on October 20. The former forward retired from the NBA in April 2024 following stints with the Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics.
