Bronny James Secures 2026-27 Contract as Lakers Guarantee Salary
Bronny James secured a guaranteed 2026‑27 salary on Monday, as the Los Angeles Lakers officially confirmed his $2.3 million contract will be honored regardless of roster moves, cementing his place on a team that finished 53‑29 and entered the playoffs as the Western Conference’s fourth seed.
The club’s front office announced that the $2.3 million guarantee will roll over into the 2026‑27 season, with an additional $1.3 million clause that activates if the team waives him. Reporters from the Lakers beat, Anthony F. Irwin, noted the move came without a formal waiver filing, effectively locking James into the roster for next year.
Fans took to Twitter to celebrate the move, with accounts like @Lakers4Life2022 posting, “Good can’t wait to see him kill it next year,” while @battl2heaven added, “He’s only 21 and has improved every year.” Analyst Trevor Lane highlighted the financial details, noting the $2.3 million guarantee and the $1.3 million waiver clause.
The guarantee not only secures James’ salary but also adds a team option for a fourth year, giving the Lakers flexibility while preserving a young guard with upside. At 21, James has shown steady improvement, and the contract structure signals confidence that his development in the G League will translate into more meaningful NBA minutes.
The guarantee also fits within the Lakers’ salary‑cap strategy, as the $2.3 million figure sits comfortably under the luxury‑tax threshold. Should James be waived, the $1.3 million clause would still count as a dead‑money hit, but the team retains a cheap fourth‑year option that could become valuable if his shooting continues to improve.
In his sophomore NBA campaign, James logged 2.9 points and 1.2 assists per game over 42 contests, shooting 40.9 % from the field and 38.6 % from three‑point range, while appearing in eight playoff games. Meanwhile, his G League stint with the South Bay Lakers produced 15.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game on 56.4 % shooting and 45.6 % from beyond the arc.
James appeared in eight playoff games, primarily as a defensive substitute, gaining experience against seasoned opponents. Though his minutes were limited, the exposure to high‑pressure situations is expected to accelerate his growth, especially when paired with veteran mentors during the upcoming offseason training camp.
Looking ahead, the Lakers aim to build on a 53‑29 regular‑season record that earned them the fourth seed, a first‑round victory over Houston and a sweep by Oklahoma City. With James’ contract now guaranteed, the club can focus on integrating his shooting touch into a rotation that still features veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
With the contract locked in, the Lakers can now assess their guard depth, weighing James against other options like Marcus Smart, whose $5.4 million player option is also pending. The front office hopes James’ shooting efficiency will complement the team’s offensive scheme as they target a