Bronny James' Expected NBA Salary Would Be Pay Cut From College Compensation

Bronny James earned his ticket to the NBA when he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 55th overall pick in the NBA Draft, but the oldest son of LeBron James could be taking a pay cut of sorts in his rookie year.

The former USC player was the highest earner in college last season, with David Suggs of The Sporting News reporting that he earned an estimated $5.9 million in name, image and likeness (NIL) money. That set a record for all college athletes, topping Colorado star Shedeur Sanders who earned $4 million from his NIL deal.

But James could earn significantly less in his NBA rookie season if he lands in the average range of salaries for second-round picks, Suggs wrote.

"James' should expect a salary floor of $1.2 million in yearly salary as a member of his franchise's active roster," Suggs wrote.

Suggs added a pair of examples for comparison, noting that last year the Denver Nuggets gave a four-year, $8.2 million deal to No. 32 overall pick Jalen Pickett. The Milwaukee Bucks had the last pick of the second round last year and selected Chris Livingston, giving him a four-year, $7.6 million contract.

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While the total value of James' rookie NBA contract could top his NIL pay, the former high school standout could earn close to one-quarter of that in his rookie season.

Bronny James would likely earn compensation well beyond his NBA rookie contract with endorsement deals, especially playing alongside his father in Los Angeles. LeBron James himself could be on his way to a big payday, with ESPN reporting that the Lakers are committing to re-signing James and would offer the maximum three-year deal that James is eligible to take.